{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Advanced Ceramics with Dual Functions of Healing and Decomposition.
{Author}: Sekine N;Nakajima Y;Kamo T;Ito M;Nakao W;
{Journal}: Materials (Basel)
{Volume}: 17
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 2024 Jan 29
{Factor}: 3.748
{DOI}: 10.3390/ma17030647
{Abstract}: This study developed advanced ceramic materials with both healing and decomposition functions using a metastable product generated under superheated steam. The developed composite material comprises ZrC particles dispersed in a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix. After introducing a surface crack of approximately 120 μm on the composite specimen, it showed a complete strength recovery rate after one hour of heat treatment under superheated steam at 400 °C, while it exhibited a decomposition behavior after one hour of heat treatment in air at 400 °C. The XRD analysis of the heat-treated specimens showed that the final product was monoclinic ZrO2 under both steam and air conditions. In other words, full strength recovery in superheated steam was achieved by a chain reaction involving metastable intermediate products derived from H2O, unlike the reaction in air.