The effect of intragranular microstress in Al2O3—SiC nanocomposites

A theoretical model is established to investigate the intragranular particle residual stress in Al2O3—SiC nanocomposites. Using this model, we calculate the average compressive stress on the Al2O3 grain boundary (GB) and the average tensile stress within Al2O3 grains caused by SiC nanoparticles. The normal compressive stress strengthens the GB, and the average tensile stress weakens the grains. The model gives a reasonable interpretation of the strength changes of Al2O3—SiC nanocomposites with the number of SiC particles. (condensed matter: structural, mechanical, and thermal properties)