Transactions of the INDIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY Vol. 60 2001
Mechanical Properties of (V) Zirconia-Alumina
Ceramics Prepared using a Semiwet
Process and Sintering
S. C. Sharma, N. M. Gokhale, J. Lakra and Ramji Lal
Pages : 126-129
DOi : 10.1080/0371750X.2001.10799985
Abstract
A series of (Y) Zr02-AI 20 3 composites of varying compositions
were prepared using a semiwet process. The slurry of attrited
alumina powder with a composite nitrate solution of yttriumzirconium
was spray dried. The powders were decomposed and
calcined at 500°C, compacted and sintered at 1550°C for 2 h.
The bulk density of the sintered ceramics was > 99% of theoretical
density with retention of 100% tetragonal phase in zirconia.
The mechanical properties of sintered ceramics were evaluated
and ceramics with 20 wt% (Y) Zr02 (2.8 mol% yttria in zirconia)
exhibited highest values of flexural strength (450 MPa) and fracture
toughness (7.8 MPa.m112
). The results have been explained
on the basis of microstructure of sintered ceramics and crystallite
size of zirconia particles and compared with those of the earlier
studies. Microstructural analysis of the sintered compacts
revealed the uniform distribution of zirconia grains in alumina
matrix.