Crack-healing behavior of zirconium diboride composite reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers

The crack-healing behavior of zirconium diboride ceramic composite reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers has been investigated through pre-cracking, crack-healing and flexural strength testing processes. A Vickers indentation (similar to 70 mu m in size) was introduced and the crack was healed under different conditions. Cracks could heal completely in air, but did not heal in a vacuum. This composite has good self crack-healing ability at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1200 degrees C, with 1000 degrees C being the optimum healing temperature. (c) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.