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Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Pressed Alumina – 5 vol% Zirconia Nanocomposites

F. Kern

Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology, Vol. 2, No. 1 (2011), pp. 69-74

DOI: 10.4416/JCST2010-00038

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Abstract

Zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramics are known to combine the hardness and abrasion resistance of alumina with an additional toughness increment introduced by zirconia. Toughening occurs by transformation toughening and/or microcracking depending on the grain size and stabilizer content of zirconia. In this study ZTA with 5 vol% unstabilized nanozirconia was manufactured by means of a mixing and milling technique and consolidated by hot pressing at 1350 – 1600 °C. Variation of the sintering conditions leads to nanocomposites with different microstructural features, such as grain sizes and inter- or intragranular location of zirconia reinforcement. It was found that despite the low zirconia content, attractive hardness and strength levels as well as moderate toughness values can be obtained.

Keywords

Nanocomposites, ZTA, sintering, microstructure, zirconia, alumina

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