Influence Of The Ceramic Phase On The Mechanical Properties Of 316L-based Interpenetrating Phase Composites With Yttria-stabilized Zirconia And Alumina-toughened Zirconia

Abstract

Metal-ceramic interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) are a special type of composite material in which both phases (metal and ceramic) are continuous and intertwined three-dimensionally. This structure forms in a specific composition window, depending on several factors. Outside this window particle-reinforced materials form, as only one phase reaches ist percolation threshold.In this study we look into two material systems, 316L-YSZ (yttrium-stabilized zirconia) and 316L-ATZ (alumina-toughened zirconia) to investigate the impact of the ceramic phase onto the mechanical properties. We focus on three IPC-forming compositions on with 50, 60 and 70 % v|v of the ceramic phase, as those were chosen for potential application as cutting materials, with a combination of hardness via the ceramic phase, and toughness via the metal phase.We compare material properties (hardness, bending behaviour) after identical sintering conditions, and show some results after adjusted sintering, to highlight how the different ceramic properties impact the IPC properties.