TENSILE-STRENGTH OF CERAMIC POWDERS

The tensile strength of granular materials has been extensively studied and is of great technological importance. Several theoretical or experimental relationships between density and strength have been proposed. This paper compares these models with experimental data from zirconia powders. It is shown that the most important parameter determining the strength of a green compact is not density but compaction pressure. A micromechanical model, which gives a qualitative understanding of ceramic powder behaviour under tensile stress, is also presented.