Effects of second phase dispersions on microstructure and mechanical properties in MgO/SiC nanocomposites

MgO/SiC nanocomposites were investigated to understand better the effect of second phase dispersion on the mechanical properties, especially at :high temperatures. The striking finding in the present system is that the fracture strength of MgO was improved significantly up to high temperatures as well as at room temperature by incorporating SiC into MgO. These significant improvements of high temperature-mechanical properties were contributed to the prohibition of plastic deformation due to the dispersion of nanometer-size second phase particles. The relationships between mechanical properties and SiC additions are discussed. The microstructure was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.