A ZrO2 (3Y) Matrix Composite Toughened with Fe3Al Intermetallic

Near fully dense ZrO2(3Y)/Fe3Al composites with significantly improved fracture toughness were synthesized by hot‐press sintering at 1350°C. High fracture toughness and bending‐strength values, 36 MPa·m1/2 and 1321 MPa, respectively, were achieved in 40 vol% Fe3Al composite ceramics, whereas those same values for ZrO2(3Y) alone were 10 MPa·m1/2 and 988 MPa, respectively. Microscopic observation of the crack path revealed that Fe3Al particle uniformly dispersed in the matrix have obvious crack‐bridging effect. Improved thermal‐shock resistance was also obtained, which was attributed to higher toughness, thermal conductivity, and lower Young's modulus by adding of Fe3Al particles.