R‐Curve Behavior in Zirconia‐Reinforced Molybdenum Disilicide Composites

Abstract
R‐curves for hot‐pressed 20 vol% ZrO2 (2.5‐YPSZ and 8‐YPSZ) reinforced MoSi2 composites were evaluated using the indentation/bend technique. Results indicated a modest increase in the material toughness for both composites. Experimental R‐curves were compared with theoretically predicted R‐curves to evaluate the critical transformation stress for the partially stabilized ZrO2 composite. A high critical transformation stress value obtained was indicative of the inhibition of transformation toughening effects due to microstructural inhomogeneity in the partially stabilized ZrO2‐MoSi2 composites.

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