Thermal shock properties of alumina reinforced with Ti(C,N) whiskers

Alumina composites reinforced with Ti(C,N) whiskers were produced to evaluate the thermal shock properties. The indentation fracture toughness (49 N load) increased from 2.6 MPa m12 for pure alumina to 5.0 MPa m12 for the sample with 30 vol.% Ti(C,N) whiskers. The hardness also increased, from 17.6 to 24.2 GPa. A clear R-curve behaviour was observed. An indentation–quench test was used to measure the thermal shock resistance. The best thermal shock resistance was observed at 30 vol.% Ti(C,N) whiskers.