Tensile damage evolution and notch sensitivity of Al2O3 fiber-ZrO2 matrix minicomposite-reinforced Al2O3 matrix composites

Tensile failure behavior, damage tolerance and notch sensitivity of a newly developed plain woven fabric (Al2O3F–ZrO2)mc/Al2O3 have been studied. Tensile tests with unnotched and notched specimens were carried out at room temperature in two loading directions: one of the fiber axial direction and 45° off axis direction. The maximum tensile stress of the specimen in the fiber axial direction is ∼60 MPa. Although this tensile strength is relatively low, the composites show large nonlinear tensile stress–strain behavior. The fracture of the composites is independent on the notch, i.e., the composites show notch insensitive behavior. These results show a large damage tolerance property of (Al2O3F–ZrO2)mc/Al2O3.