Processing and characterisation of model optomechanical composites in the system sapphire fibre/borosilicate glass matrix

Development and Characterization of Transparent Glass Matrix Composites

“…However, the strong interface bonding between the oxide fibre and the glass matrix reduces the composite strength and toughness, compared with SiC fibre-reinforced composites [6,18,19,31]. Obviously, the introduction of weak interface bonding is a key aspect to confer improved toughness on the composite.…”

“…Relevant properties, such as optical, thermal and mechanical properties, must be considered when appropriate fibres and matrices are selected for optomechanical composites. For example, matching the refractive index between the fibres and the matrices is important to avoid excessive transparency losses [6]. The composite is usually fabricated by softening the glass matrix at high temperature and immersing the fibres into the matrix.…”

“…Therefore, suitable fibres must have higher thermal stability than that of the matrix and they should not suffer structural damage during processing [7]. In addition, appropriate coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of both the fibre and the matrix are required, to avoid the development of high internal residual stresses in the matrix which may be detrimental for the composite mechanical strength [6].…”

“…To induce fibre pull-out and crack deflection during the fracture process [11][12][13], weak interfacial bonding is required rather than strong bonding which would impede the occurrence of toughening mechanisms and could lead the fibres to break simultaneously with the matrix [14]. Different types of fibres with different arrangements and processing routes have been suggested for GMC fabrication [6,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24].…”

Optically-transparent oxide fibre-reinforced glass matrix composites

“…They are therefore candidates for production of tough glass matrix composites (GMC) [7]. Alumina fibres have been investigated previously as reinforcement in silicate matrix composites, and control of the interface was shown to be critical to improving fracture toughness [2,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Dericioglu and Kagawa have demonstrated enhanced fracture toughness on incorporation of a ZrO 2 interface in a glass matrix/alumina fibre composite, due to the absence of strong chemical bonding between the ZrO 2 layer and the alumina fibres.…”