Effect of h-BN on Sintering Behavior, Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of YAG Bulk Composites

The shell structure YAG composite powders with different volume fraction (15, 20 and 25vol%) micro h-BN have been prepared by co-precipitation process. The bulk composites were performed by pressure sintering at 1600°C under a pressure of 30MPa in vacuum. The mechanical properties (elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness) and relative density of the composites were investigated detailedly. Furthermore, phase composition and microstructure of the composites were analyzed thoroughly by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy. Meanwhile, good machinability is maintained due to the low hardness of the second phase.