Compression strength and wear resistance of ceramic foams–polymer composites

Ceramic foam–polymer composites have been made by infiltration without pressure. Cellular ceramics (SiC and SiO2·ZrO2) of various cell size, (10, 20 and 30 ppi), were selected and combined with an epoxy vinyl-ester resin to produce composite materials. The interconnected pores (open cells) in the ceramic allowed a polymer flow throughout. This allowed a “continuous” distribution of the polymer throughout the structure and hence a good transmission of stresses between phases which resulted in higher mechanical properties. The results of compressive and wear test up on the materials obtained show the influence of cell size and wetness on the interface formed between the constituents. The failure modes exhibited in these materials were also analysed. It was observed that the polymer suffered plastic deformation while the ceramic phase was largely subject to shearing forces resulting in isolated fracturing.