The microstructural characteristics and mechanical property of Al fiber-reinforced cordierite ceramics.

Al fiber-reinforced cordierite was prepared by solid state reaction of clay, talc and alumina sintered at 1370 °C in carbon embedded condition. The microstructures were observed via scanning electron microscope (SEM), three-point flexural strength was examined on a universal testing machine. The SEM microphotograph shows a weak-bonded interfacial phase AlN, which was attributed to the reaction between Al and N 2 at high temperature in carbon protection condition, was formed between cordierite matrix and Al fiber. It facilitates fiber debonding and fiber pullout during fracture test. Three-point flexural test indicates both fracture displacement and flexural strength of Al-reinforced cordierite are bigger than that of the monolithic cordierite. With increasing Al-fiber addition, the higher strength and longer displacement were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]