Indentation testing of an Al2O3/Al2O3 + ZrO2 layered composite

Micro- and macro-hardness of the individual layers of an Al2O3 / Al2O3 + ZrO2 layered composite have been investigated. The indentation load size effect has been studied in a range of indentation load of 25 mN – 100 N using depth sensing indentation technique and conventional Vickers hardness testers. Fracture toughness values of the layers have been measured using indentation fracture method. The effect of residual stresses on the KIC value has been analyzed.