Multilayer Al2O3/SiC ceramics with improved mechanical behavior

Multilayer Al2O3/SiC ceramics with a perfect laminated structure were fabricated by extrusion-molding and hot-pressing. The mechanical properties and fracture behavior were evaluated under bending tests. Crack deflection was consistently observed at the interfaces between the Al2O3 layers and the SiC-containing interphase. This led to a graceful failure in combination with a high apparent toughness and an increased fracture energy.