Microcrack toughening in alumina/zirconia

Analysis of microcrack toughening in Al2O3 ZrO2 is presented. The study consists of experimental measurements of the microcrack parameters that dictate the predicted level of toughening, as well as calculations of the toughness using microcrack models based on the microcracks observed in the process zone. An effective comparison between theory and experiment is thereby achieved. The comparison reveals moderate agreement, but also establishes that several aspects of microcrack toughening are not yet sufficiently developed to allow prediction of trends in toughness with microstructure.