The effect of intragranular microstress in Al₂O₃–SiC nanocomposites

A theoretical model is established to investigate the intragranular particle residual stress in Al₂O₃-SiC nanocomposites. Using this model, we calculate the average compressive stress on the Al₂O₃ grain boundary (GB) and the average tensile stress within Al₂O₃ grains caused by SiC nanoparticles. The normal compressive stress strengthens the GB, and the average tensile stress weakens the grains. The model gives a reasonable interpretation of the strength changes of Al₂O₃-SiC nanocomposites with the number of SiC particles.