A study on mechanical properties and microstructure of tetragonal zirconia-based composites

Abstract

The relative density, bending strength, fracture toughness, and fracture surface microstructure of tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2)-based composites prepared using magnetic pulsed compaction were investigated. The relative density and bending strength of the composites increased with increasing sintering temperature, whereas the fracture toughness increased with the addition of monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) and Al2O3 particles. Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that the m-ZrO2 particles in the t-ZrO2 matrix induce residual stress and micro-cracking. Al2O3 particles act as barriers to crack growth in t-ZrO2/m-ZrO2/Al2O3 composites. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.