Wear mechanisms and residual stresses in alumina-based laminated cutting tools

The performances of an alumina/zirconia laminated cutting tool used for machining steel have been investigated and compared to those of a non-laminated commercial alumina/zirconia cutting tool. The different wear mechanisms are explained on the basis of the different microstructures and chemical compositions. We have shown that residual compressive stresses, measured by Piezo-Spectroscopy, are effective in avoiding the microchipping on the flank zone but cannot avoid larger fractures caused by the residual porosity.