Improvement of mechanical strength of piezoelectric ceramics embedded in aluminum matrix

Abstract Piezoelectric ceramics were integrated into an aluminum matrix to enhance their strength. The strength, obtained via a three‐point bending test conducted both pre‐ and postembedding the piezoelectric ceramics, was analyzed using a Weibull distribution. The analysis aimed to provide a quantitative assessment of the strength augmentation. The Weibull modulus increased from 4.30 to 5.96, while the scale parameter rose from 125.1 to 167.8 MPa. Notably, a distinct inflection point emerged in the Weibull plot of the composite piezoelectric ceramics, indicating a shift in the fracture mode. This transition in fracture mode is attributed to matrix yielding, a conjecture supported by the Weibull modulus aligning with the Weibull modulus of strength at the yield. The microstructures of the composites emerged as pivotal factors that influenced the fracture mode transition. Microstructural defects at the interface contributed to reducing the interfacial strength, which induced differences in fracture modes.