Multi-layer silicon nitride laminates exhibiting high fracture toughness and crack deflection

Si3N4-TiN based multi-layer ceramics laminates have been produced. With external compressive layers, laminates with a three-fold increase in K-Ic over the monolithic ceramics have been realised. When external tensile layers are used in conjunction with thin internal compressive layers, energy absorbing crack deflection and bifurcation processes are observed