Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ni-based Particle-Toughening SiO 2 Composite Ceramics

In this work, Ni-based particles were used as the toughening phase to fabricate SiO ₂ -based composite ceramics with varying particle contents to improve the low toughness of pure SiO ₂ ceramics. The effects of the Ni-based particle content on the microstructure and properties of the composite ceramics were investigated systematically. Ni-based particles exhibit good compatibility with the SiO ₂ matrix. The hardness of the ceramics decreases with increasing Ni-based particle content, whereas the flexural strength increases. The flexural strength of the ceramic sample containing 10% Ni-based particles is 24.9% greater than that of pure SiO ₂ ceramics, and the sample containing 3% Ni-based particles exhibits the optimal compactness. The toughening of SiO ₂ ceramics by Ni-based particles is achieved mainly through crack deflection and particle pull-out. This study provides theoretical and practical references for the design and preparation of high-performance SiO ₂ -based composite ceramics.