Micromechanical modeling of transformation toughening in multi-phase composites enriched with zirconia particles

In this study, a micromechanical model has been developed to investigate the effect of the mismatch in material properties of the constituent phases on the transformation toughening mechanism in zirconia enriched multi-phase composites. The developed model predicts a very strong influence of the material properties of the constituencies and microstructure on the toughening effect. Using this model it is also possible to engineer multi-phase composites with required or predetermined fracture properties by utilizing the synergetic characteristics of their constituent phases.