Zirconia Fiber Containing TRIP‐Matrix Composites Prepared via Paper‐Manufacturing Technology

Herein, the continuous further development of metal matrix composites prepared by the paper‐manufacturing technology is in focus. The composites are based on metastable austenitic stainless steel with the addition of magnesia partially stabilized zirconia particles or yttria‐stabilized zirconia fibers. The sintering conditions are profoundly investigated, to study and subsequently inhibit the formation of carbides, which deteriorates the mechanical performance of the paper‐derived materials in the past. The cellulose pulp fiber content as well as the filler particle content is adjusted with the aim to improve the mechanical performance of the paper‐derived materials during tensile load testing. In addition, the cellulose pulp fibers are partially replaced by yttria‐stabilized zirconia fibers. The improved composites that contain 3 and 6 vol% of yttria‐stabilized zirconia fibers exhibit the ultimate tensile strengths of 264 and 322 MPa. The tensile strain of the improved TRIP‐matrix composites as well as of the reference material is significantly increased (up to 10%) as compared with our previous study, where all materials show brittle fracture behavior. This can certainly be attributed to the improvements in the sintering process and the corresponding prevention of carbide formation during heat treatment upon cooling.