Effectiveness of surface composite layers on impact resistance of brittle materials

Single and double layers of woven fabric Al 2 O 3 fiber -Al 2 O 3 matrix composites are used as a surface protective layer for a brittle material, borosilicate glass substrate. The effect of a thin damage-tolerant surface composite layer on the damage caused by steel ball projectiles is examined. Damage behavior of the surface composite layer-bonded specimen with impact speed of 40 and 110 m/s shows significant effect of the composite layer on the damage. It is clearly demonstrated that the concept of a thin surface composite layer is effective for reducing impact damage on the surface of brittle materials.