Design of interfaces for optimal mechanical properties in Al₂O₃/Mo laminated composites

High-performance Al₂O₃/Mo laminated composites are potential candidates for space applications because of their excellent self-lubricating and mechanical performance. This study aims at revealing the mechanisms of how interfacial morphology affects the mechanical properties of Al₂O₃/Mo laminated composites. Four types of micro-textures of different densities were produced by solid-state pulse Nd:YAG laser on the surface of a Al₂O₃ green body. Al₂O₃/Mo laminated composites with different interfacial morphologies were prepared by laser-texturing and hot-pressing. It is found that the self-locking function of a regular serrated interface improves the interfacial bonding strength and controls the residual stress of materials, thus realizing the optimization of materials. The toughness, work of fracture and strength of the materials could reach 8.0MPam^1/2, 1179Jm^-2 and 293MPa, which were 2.1 times, 6.6 times and 1.2 times higher than those of monolithic Al₂O₃ ceramics, respectively.