Fractography for alumina ceramics using a confocal scanning laser microscope

Abstract

A confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM) was applied to identify the location of fracture origin in alumina ceramics. Alumina-referceram was ground to obtain JIS R-1601 specimens using a grinding machine. They were fractured in four point bending to measure strength. CSLM and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of fracture surface were compared. With a CSLM, the location of fracture origin could be easily determined, while it was very difficult with a SEM. Fracture toughness KIC = 2.3 MPa · m1/2 calculated from the measured size of fracture origin and the flexural strength.