Analysis of strengthening and toughening mechanisms of bioinspired mineral bridges on hot-pressed alumina-based ceramics through finite element method

Bioinspired intergranular mineral bridges were fabricated in alumina-based ceramics through in situ synthesis of Al2TiO5 whiskers. The effects of mineral bridges on the mechanical properties of ceramics were investigated. Results showed that the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the alumina-based ceramics increased by 33.97% and 33.52%, respectively, after introducing the mineral bridges under hot pressing. Moreover, the effects of the mineral bridges on the crack tip stress (CTS) of models were calculated by finite element method for the first time. The mineral bridge buds and mineral bridges reduced the CTS by 15.54% and 22.22%, respectively. This finding revealed the root cause of the crack deflection mechanism of the mineral bridges and directly confirmed their strengthening and toughening effects.