| abstract |
High-density composites of ceramic materials, notably alumina or metal oxides in general, are formed by the incorporation of metal particles, of which niobium is a preferred example, and single-wall carbon nanotubes. The composites demonstrate an unusually high fracture toughness compared to the ceramic alone, and also when compared to composites that contain either the metal alone or single-wall carbon nanotubes alone. The two additives thus demonstrate a synergistic effect in improving the toughness of the ceramic. |