FRACTURE-TOUGHNESS OF METAL REINFORCED GLASS COMPOSITES

The effect of hardness and strength of particulate reinforcements on the toughening of a glass matrix composite have been investigated. Spherical particles of two gold-based alloys were blended with a low-fusing glass powder; the mixture was hot-pressed, and disc-shaped specimens prepared for fracture toughness testing using the strength/flaw method. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine fracture surfaces. It was found that the softer, more ductile alloy was a more effective toughening additive than the harder alloy. © 1990 Chapman and Hall Ltd.