E.V.Krivonosov, V.S.Konevsky
Received November 10, 1998
Effect of the growth and annealing medium redox potential
on mechanical characteristics of corundum crystals has been studied.
The character of the crystal surface brittle failure under microindentation
has been investigated as well as the crystal resistance against shock
loading and grinding wear. The part played by activator-vacancy complexes
in the crystal mechanical failure has been evaluated. A method has
been proposed to improve the wear resistance of doped corundum and
leucosapphire single crystals.