Figures & data
Figure 1. Scheme of the electrostatic heterocoagulation method used to disperse the individual CNTs uniformly within the ceramic powder: aqueous suspensions of treated CNT and 8YZ powder; and mixture of the two suspensions during stirring and after 30 min of stirring, when the composite powder heterocoagulated.
Figure 2. Palmqvist crack at Vickers indentation.
Figure 3. Zeta potentials of treated CNTs (at three temperatures: 50, 90 and 130°C) and 8YZ suspensions at various pH values. The dotted outline zone corresponds to the possible working pH range (pH ~ 4.5).
Figure 4. TEM images of 8YZ-CNT130 heterocoagulated powder at different magnifications.
Figure 5. SEM micrographs of the fracture surfaces of SPS-consolidated composites at low and high magnifications: a-b) 8YZ-CNT50, c-d) 8YZ-CNT90 and e-f) 8YZ-CNT130.
Figure 6. Vickers hardnesses (Hv) of 8YZ and 8YZ-CNT50, 8YZ-CNT90, 8YZ-CNT130 composites.
Figure 7. Flexural strength of 8YZ and 8YZ-CNT50, 8YZ-CNT90 and 8YZ-CNT130 composites.
Figure 8. Fracture toughness (KIc) of 8YZ and 8YZ-CNT90 and 8YZ-CNT130 composites.
