Examination of microhardness indentation‐induced subsurface damage in alumina platelet reinforced borosilicate glass using confocal scanning laser microscopy

Abstract

SummaryBorosilicate glass and borosilicate glass matrix composites reinforced with 10, 15 and 30 vol.% alumina platelets have been indented and the subsurface lateral cracking examined by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The suitability of the CSLM technique as a quick and nondestructive method of obtaining three-dimensional information of subsurface damage in dispersion reinforced brittle matrix composite materials was demonstrated. The addition of alumina platelets to the glass matrix has resulted in a reduction in the extent and depth of subsurface damage due to indentation, and hence may make the material more resistant to erosive wear. This damage development may be a consequence of the presence of residual compressive stresses in the matrix and the strong platelet/matrix interfacial bonding.

Morphology of Vickers Indent Flaws in Soda–Lime–Silica Glass

“…Winn and Yeomans 34 have used confocal microscopy to study indentation damage, but because they investigated opaque alumina, much of the power of this technique to resolve the shape of subsurface features was lost. Winn et al 35 used confocal microscopy to investigate indentation damage in alumina-reinforced borosilicate glass, but the format of the presented images did not enable the subsurface profiles of the crack system to be resolved.…”

Changes in Fracture Micromechanism with Increasing Reinforcement Volume Fraction in Glass Matrix Composite

“…1. The strong bond between particles and the glass matrix was proved by transmission electron microscopy [4] and further by fractographic analyses of fracture surfaces. Moreover, much lower thermal expansion coefficient of borosilicate glass than of alumina platelets induced tangential compressive stress and axial tensile stress during cooling stage of fabrication.…”