Abstract
Mechanical and fracture characteristics of the Al₂O₃ + ZrO₂ + SiC composite ceramics are studied in the paper. The relationships describing strength properties and their scatter, fracture toughness and rising fracture resistance (R-curve behaviour) are summarized in the first part of the paper. Bending strength and the scatter of its values are characterized by help of fractography and Al₂O₃ + ZrO₂ + SiC composite ceramics, as well. The fracture toughness and the R-curve of the studied material are measured using indentation methods. A moderately rising R-curve is presumably a consequence of transformation toughening in the process zone of the propagating crack.

Key words
fracture characteristics, mechanical properties, Al₂O₃ + ZrO₂ + SiC composite ceramics, Al₂O₃ + ZrO₂ + SiC composite ceramics

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