Mechanical properties of a lithium glass–ceramic matrix (LZSA) reinforced with TiC or (W,Ti)C particles: A preliminary study

Despite their generally low strength and hardness values, glass–ceramics show good potential to be used in structural applications at room temperature instead of other costlier ceramic materials. This work investigates the effect of dispersed hard carbide particles on the sintering behaviour and the mechanical properties of a lithium glass–ceramic. The glass was mixed with 30 wt.% TiC or (W,Ti)C and hot-pressed at 650 °C (30 MPa, 30 min, Ar). The results obtained compare the properties of the composites with those of the parent glass and demonstrate that the addition of hard particles significantly improves the mechanical strength of the glass–ceramic matrix.