Toughening in WC–Co composites

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Abstract
A toughening mechanism in composites, based on ligament zone formation behind the advancing crack front, is presented. In brittle matrix/ductile phase systems where there is a significant difference in the crack-tip opening displacement between the two phases, the primary crack is forced to circumvent the ductile phase, leaving unruptured ligaments behind. It is shown that the level of toughening is determined by the in situ tensile strength of the ligament and its strain for fracture. This toughening mechanism can be effective both at room temperature and at low temperatures and does not require extensive plastic flow to occur at the crack tip in order to produce toughening. Published data on the fracture toughness of WC–Co composites are used to verify the theory.

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