Microstructure and Compression Strength of Novel TRIP-Steel/Mg-PSZ Composites

Novel composites on basis of austenitic stainless TRIP-steel as matrix with reinforcements of Mg-PSZ are presented. Compact rods were produced by cold isostatic pressing and sintering, square honeycomb samples by the ceramic extrusion technique. The samples are characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy before and after deformation, showing the microstructure and the deformation-induced martensite formation. The mechanical properties of samples with 5 vol% zirconia are superior compared to zirconia-free samples and composites with higher zirconia contents in terms of bending and compression tests. The honeycomb samples exhibit extraordinary high specific energy absorption in compression.