Particle-matrix selection rules for hard composite substances

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In an earlier paper (Murray 1977) it has been suggested that the particle-matrix system WC-Co is toughened because cracks propagate plastically through the Co matrix. One criterion that the system must obey according to the model proposed is that 6 × (the theoretical shear stress of Co) is less than the theoretical cleavage strength (σc) of the WC particles. Here we try to show that the ideas which apply to the WC-Co system can be applied to other particle-matrix systems. If the model is correct it might be possible to use experiments on fracture of composite materials to measure σc for some solids more accurately than before. Also the possibility arises that new composites, possessing better properties than existing ones, might be predicted.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: