Neutron diffraction residual stress analysis of Al₂O₃/Y-TZP ceramic composites

Residual stress measurements were conducted by time-of-flight neutron diffraction and Rietveld analysis method in Al₂O₃/Y-TZP ceramic composites fabricated by different green processing techniques (a novel tape casting and conventional slip casting) and with different Y-TZP content (5 and 40 vol.% Y-TZP). The results show that the residual stresses in Y-TZP particulates are tensile and the ones in Al₂O₃ matrix are compressive, with almost flat through-thickness residual stress profiles in all bulk samples. As Y-TZP content increased, tension in Y-TZP phase was decreased but compression in Al₂O₃ matrix was increased (in absolute value). The values of residual stresses for both phases were mainly dependent on the Y-TZP content in the studied Al₂O₃/Y-TZP composites, irrespective of sample orientation and fabrication processes (a novel tape casting and conventional slip casting). (Author)