Alumina-based crucibles with enhanced thermal shock resistance via reinforcement of mullite fibers

Crucible is the indispensable vessel in smelting of superalloy, and service life crucibles quite important to development superalloy. In order extend crucible for superalloy smelting, alumina-based are prepared by slip casting, mullite fibers used as reinforcement phase. The effect on microstructure property was studied. appropriate content beneficial comprehensive performance crucibles. mechanism includes crack deflection, fiber extraction, bridging, through which hinder initiation propagation cracks ceramics. For samples with 3 wt% fibers, values flexure strength 22.47 MPa 19.14 at room temperature high-temperature, respectively. After thermal shock 5 times, residual room-temperature flexural 16.65 retention rate 74.1%. It confirmed that, improves resistance crucible, extending melting.