Ultra-high strength micro-nano quasi-monocrystalline Al2O3/Y3Al5O12/ZrO2 ternary eutectic ceramics processed by high-speed directional solidification

Di Zhao, Haijun Su, Baohao Lu, Yuan Liu, Zhonglin Shen, Yinuo Guo, Zhuo Zhang, Min Guo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A micro-nanostructured Al2O3/YAG/ZrO2 eutectic ceramic containing quasi-monocrystalline Al2O3 and Y3Al5O12 (YAG) phases was fabricated via high-rate directional solidification at a pulling rate of 100 μm/s. Despite a cellular solidification interface, the two phases grew along specific crystallographic orientations, forming a homogeneous and refined eutectic microstructure. The resulting rod-shaped composites exhibited a large diameter of up to 3.5 mm and an ultra-high flexural strength of 2.5 GPa. The stable directional solidification process and high temperature gradient played a key role in enabling continuous growth of micro-nano quasi-monocrystalline phases under such a high pulling rate. These quasi-monocrystalline phases minimized grain boundary defects and significantly restricted microcrack propagation within the specimens. The effective control of defects ultimately contributed to the exceptional flexural strength. This study highlights the potential of high-speed directional solidification technology for preparing high-performance composite ceramics.

Original languageEnglish
Article number117485
JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society
Volume45
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2025

Keywords

  • Directional solidification
  • Eutectic ceramic composites
  • High strength
  • Laser floating zone melting
  • Monocrystalline

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