Polarization toughening of LiTaO3 particles dispersed Al2O3 ceramic composite

Effect of polarization treatment on the mechanical properties of 15 vol.% LiTaO3/Al2O3 ceramic composite (denoted 15LTA) hot pressed at 1300 °C was investigated and discussed. It was found that polarization treated along the width of bending specimens, both improved the flexural strength and the fracture toughness of the composite. The mechanical properties of polarization treated 15LTA ceramic composite almost returned to the original state after inverse polarization treatment. The changes in mechanical properties of 15LTA composite were related to the residual polarization in LiTaO3 particles. Crack detour around LiTaO3 particles, crack deflection and branching caused by domains and domain switching induced by propagating crack were the three main factors for the improvement of the mechanical properties of LTA ceramic composite polarization treated along the width.