A new multilayer composite with a super-plastic layer, a hard layer and a w
eak interface was proposed. The hard layer can provide the strength of the
multilayer composites at high temperature, the plastic layer can deform pla
stically at high temperature and disperse the applied stress and stop the a
dvance of the crack, and the weak interface can deflect the propagating cra
ck at room temperature. Such multilayer composites were prepared by tape ca
sting in the AL(2)O(3)/TiC/MoSi2-Mo2B5 system. It was found that such desig
n is effective on the increase of fracture energy both at room temperature
and at high temperature, and the strength at high temperature could be rema
ined in a relatively high revel. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V
.