| Abstract | Ceramics constitute an integral part of highly effective armours, often coupled together with ductile backing materials such as metals and polymers. The widespread use of armour ceramics is primarily due to their low density, high hardness, strength and elastic modulus. However, none of these properties can individually or collectively be identified as the major controller of armour performance. Rather, the synergistic effects of these properties are considered relevant for the ultimate impact performance. In this study, pressureless sintered alumina with ZrO<inf>2</inf> second phase particles as well as monolithic silicon carbide armour ceramics were investigated. They were characterized with respect to armour related properties such as hardness, indentation fracture toughness, porosity and density. The results indicated that the second phase particles and the level of porosity can significantly influence the performance of such armour ceramics. |
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