Microstructure and mechanical properties of Y2O3/SiC nanocomposites

Abstract

Y₂O₃-based nanocomposites were fabriacted by hot-press and the microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. Transmission-electron-microscope observations revealed that the SiC particles were distributed both within Y₂O₃ matrix grains and at the grain boundaries. Significant mechanical properties improvements were identified particularly at high temperatures above 1000 °C both in air and inert atmospheres.