Twin induced fracture toughness in SiCW/SiC composites processed by spark plasma sintering

The twin boundaries (TBs) was responsible for 30% and 26% enhancement in the fracture toughness of 10% and 20% SiCW/SiC composites spark plasma sintered at 1800 °C, respectively. Crack deflection at TBs, and daughter crack formation at the twin zone were found to be the responsible mechanisms for twin toughening.