Effect of volume fraction of metal matrix composites framework on compressive mechanical properties of 3D interpenetrating ZTAp/40Cr architectured composites

The effect of the volume fraction of 3D-metal matrix composites (MMC) framework on the compressive properties of 3D interpenetrating hierarchical ZrO2-toughened Al2O3 particle (ZTAp)/40Cr steel composites was investigated. The results showed that the compressive properties of the material tended to decrease as the volume fraction of 3D-MMC framework increased. The composite with 35 vol.% 3D-MMC had a yield strength of 1455.2 MPa and compressive strength of 1612.8 MPa, which occurred at a strain value of 5.6%. Compared to the homogeneously dispersed composite material, the composite with 35 vol.% 3D-MMC had a 144.7% higher yield strength, which occurred at a 20% higher strain. An analysis of the cracks inside the material revealed that the crack was hindered and deflected by the matrix during propagation, which lengthened the crack propagation path and consumed more energy, thus leading to toughening. The results indicated that 3D interpenetrating hierarchical structure had a strengthening and toughening effect on ZTAp/40Cr composites.