Ceramic matrix composites based on Mg-PSZ with Cr–Ni-steel-additions with improved thermo-mechanical properties

The application of ceramic materials is limited due to their inherent brittleness. In the past years attempts have been made to improve the fracture toughness of structural ceramics by adding a secondary phase. In the present paper the influence of metastable austenitic TRIP-steel powder on the thermo-mechanical properties of magnesia partially stabilised zirconia has been investigated. Ceramic matrix composites have been prepared using slip casting technology. The sintering was performed in different argon atmospheres. The incorporation of the metastable metallic phase led to the successful generation of composite materials with advanced mechanical properties, especially after thermal shock attack.