Fabrication and properties of machinable porous ZrO2f/Y2SiO5 nanocomposites prepared by a simple method

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2017-07, Vol.712, p.445-450
• Main Authors: Zhang, Rubing, Li, Shaohua, Ye, Changshou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bend strength; Ceramic fibers; Ceramics; Fiber reinforced materials; Heat conductivity; Heat transfer; Loose powder sintering; Machinability; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Porous materials; Sintering; Sol-gel method; Sol-gel processes; Thermal conductivity; Thermal insulation; Thermal properties; Thermodynamic properties; Y2SiO5 nanoparticles; Zirconium dioxide
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.04.136

Novel ZrO2-fiber-reinforced porous Y2SiO5 ceramic nanocomposites were fabricated by a simple pressureless sintering process. Y2SiO5 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method, and the effects of sintering temperature and ZrO2 fiber content on the microstructure, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of the porous Y2SiO5 nanocomposites were studied. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of porous ZrO2f/Y2SiO5 nanocomposites were improved substantially with the introduction of ZrO2 fibers. Compared with the specimens without added fibers, the composites with 10 vol% ZrO2 fibers exhibited the optimum strengthening effects, including a high bending strength (i.e., 65.7 MPa), a low thermal conductivity (i.e., 0.55 W/(m·K)) and good machinability. The present work provides a simple procedure for improving the toughness and thermal insulation characteristics of porous ceramics. •Y2SiO5 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method.•Machinable porous ZrO2f/Y2SiO5 nanocomposites were fabricated by a simple method.•The composite exhibits a high compressive strength and a low thermal conductivity.