Rheological behavior and fatigue of aluminum oxide - based composite structures on soft substrates

The present paper describes rheological behavior and fatigue of novel composite systems "chrome carbide - aluminum oxide - aluminum" and "steel - soft polymer - aluminum - aluminum oxide". Rheological models of the composite systems have been proposed and confirmed by in-situ experiments at Hertzian indentation. Load rating tests revealed ultimate stresses and stress-deformation modes of the systems. A possibility has been demonstrated of improving mechanical properties of aluminum oxide-based layers by CrC nanoparticles deposited by the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The CrC nanoparticles fill various surface defects of the aluminum oxide thus strengthening and toughening the system. High fracture resistance has been observed.