Influence of particle-size distribution of particles being sintered on the crack resistance of a porous ceramic

The author assess the influence of grain size and temperature on the fracture properties of a zirconium dioxide ceramic and determine that there are at least three effects leading to an increase in crack resistance with the addition of coarse particles to a matrix of fine particles: an increase in the area of the fracture surface; rounding by the crack of the filler particles accompanied by a change in orientation of the crack relative to the direction of action of the maximum tensile stresses; and the formation and development of a zone of energy dissipation ahead of the main crack front. The relative contribution of each of these effects is evaluated.