Micromechanics of fracturing in nanoceramics

An overview of key experimental data and theoretical representations on fracture processes in nanoceramics is presented. The focuses are placed on crack growth in nanoceramics and their toughening micromechanics. Conventional toughening micromechanisms are discussed which effectively operate in both microcrystalline-matrix ceramics containing nanoinclusions and nanocrystalline-matrix ceramics. Particular attention is devoted to description of special (new) toughening micromechanisms related to nanoscale deformation occurring near crack tips in nanocrystalline-matrix ceramics. In addition, a new strategy for pronounced improvement of fracture toughness of ceramic materials through fabrication of ceramic-graphene nanocomposites is considered. Toughening micromechanisms are discussed which operate in such nanocomposites containing graphene platelets and/or few-layer sheets.