Relation between strength and toughness of ceramics

Abstract

We introduce concepts of critical frontal process zone (CFPZ) size ahead of a crack tip and critical local stress in order to clarify the basic relation between strength and fracture toughness of ceramics. The relation suggests that the CFPZ size should be expanded to improve the fracture toughness of ceramics. The toughening mechanism of the intra-type nanocomposites is based on the dislocation activities which expand the CFPZ size and consequently improve the fracture toughness of ceramics.