4. Summary
ZrO2-matrix ceramic composite reinforced with 10 wt.% SiC whiskers was flash-sintered at different applied electric fields.The composite obtained at the optimal condition (applied field = 100 V/cm, current density = 80 mA/mm2, hold time = 60 s,furnace temperature = 1000◦C) exhibited a density close to the theoretical value and well-bonded interfaces between the SiC whisker and the ZrO2 matrix. The original morphology of the whiskers was well preserved in the flash sintering sample. The hardness and fracture toughness of the composite were measured by indentation technique to be 11.0 ± 0.3 GPa and 9.7 ± 0.3 MPa m1/2, respectively.This work clearly demonstrates that flash sintering is a very promising technique to prepare whisker reinforced ceramic composites.