Page 13 - report P Lemoine feb 2013c

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diamond tip 1000 nm deep into the matrix is ~ 15 mN for the Y fired sample and ~

7.5 mN for the Y asrec sample. For the crystal regions, the load is ~ 150 mN for both
samples. These results indicate that firing improves the mechanical properties of the

matrix but not those of the crystals.

a b c

d

Figure 9: SEM micrographs of the polished Y as rec sample, a/ low mag., b/ high

mag, c/ indent on crystal region, showing a crack caused by the indentation process
(white arrow) and d/ high mag showing interfacial cracks (black arrows) between

crystals and matrix.

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