Enhancing the mechanical properties of ceramics by high-temperature rolling: A first demonstration using alumina

We herein report a technique, namely, high-temperature rolling that can roll ceramics at high temperature with controllable speed. A first demonstration using alumina reveals that, after rolling at 800, 900, and 1000 degrees C, the bending strength (sigma b${\sigma _b}$), Vickers' hardness (Hv${H_v}$), and fracture toughness (KIc${K_{Ic}}$) of alumina enhanced significantly. For instance, for the specimen rolled at 900 degrees C, sigma b${\sigma _b}$, Hv${H_v}$, and KIc${K_{Ic}}$ increased by similar to 20% (360-430 MPa), similar to 10% (13.1-14.5 GPa), and similar to 61% (3.1-5 MPa m(0.5)), respectively. This technique is expected to develop into a universal solution to enhance the mechanical properties of ceramics.