Technology of producing corundum armor ceramics modified with complex additives

The relevance of research is caused by the necessity to improve the structure and technologies for producing corundum armor elements. The main aim of the research is to increase the level of physico-mechanical features and to reduce the use of small additives in composition of corundum ceramics applying the mechanism of their effect on structure formation and ensuring a high level of ballistic performance; to develop the technological models for chain production of ceramic products. Methods: study of phisico-cheramical processes of synthesis and formation of microstructure of corundum armor elements, modified with small additives using X-ray phase analysis, thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry, laser and sieve grading transmission electron microscopy methods for determining phisico-mechanical properties. Results. The authors have studied physical-chemical processes of preparing corundum ceramics modified with the complex additives consisting of magnesium-aluminosilicate eutectic mixture and oxides of magnesium and yttrium. Modification with the complex additives had positive influence on the whole complex of physical and mechanical characteristics of ceramics and provided the increased level of ballistic properties while reducing the sintering temperature of the material at 100 °C. The authors determined the functional role of each component in the complex additive on formation of micro-structure of corundum ceramics. The eutectic mixture reduces sintering temperature; magnesium oxide prevents crystals growth forming aluminum-magnesium spinel on corundum grains; yttrium oxide promotes material hardening at yttrium aluminate formation in docking stations of crystals. The paper introduces the model representation of the additives action on ceramics micro-structure formation. The authors developed the compositions and technologies of preparing corundum armor elements which were introduced into serial production.