Effect of Zn content on microstructure and mechanical performance in Bi1.8Sr2Ca2Cu3.2−xZnxO10+δ glass ceramic

In this study, we have investigated the effects of Zn doping on structural and mechanical properties of Bi1.8Sr2Ca2Cu3.2−xZnxO10+δ ceramic samples with x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0. The prepared samples were characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and static microhardness indenter. Surface morphology, orientation of grains and elemental composition analysis of the samples were investigated by SEM and EDS measurements, respectively. Texturing and lattice parameters a, b and c were determined from the XRD measurements. In this work we focused on Vickers microhardness measurements in order to characterize the mechanical properties. Experimental results of Vickers microhardness measurements were analyzed by using Meyer’s law, the elastic/plastic deformation model, proportional sample resistance model (PSR), modified PSR model, Hays–Kendall (HK) approach and indentation induced cracking (IIC) model. According to the obtained results, HK approach is the most suitable model for the CZn00 sample showing indentation size effect behavior and IIC Model is the most suitable model for the CZn01, CZn05 and CZn10 samples showing reverse indentation size effect behavior.