Damage mechanisms and fiber orientation effects on the load-bearing capabilities of a NEXTEL/BLACKGLAS low-cost ceramic composite

Abstract

In this article, the fiber orientation effect on the load-bearing capabilities of a NEXTEL/BLACKGLAS low-cost composite was experimentally investigated, and damage mechanisms were analyzed. Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) was performed to interrogate the composite samples before testing. A four-point bending test was conducted to study the mechanical behavior. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractography and SEM energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) along with SEM/EDXS elemental mapping were employed to characterize damage mechanisms, microstructures, and the microchemical distribution of elements following mechanical tests. A mechanistic understanding of the fracture behavior of the NEXTEL/BLACKGLAS ceramic composite was provided.