Microstructure and Properties of Al₂O₃-ZrO_2(n) Composite Ceramics Prepared by Microwave Sintering

Abstract:

Al2O3-ZrO2(n) composite ceramics were prepared by microwave sintering. The properties and microstructure were investigated, including vickers hardness, fracture toughness, bending strength, wear resistance and heat-shocking resistance. The results show that the properties and microstructure of alumina matrix ceramics are affected by the addition of nano-ZrO2 particles. When the content of ZrO2 is 15vol%, the hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of the Al2O3-ZrO2 composites reach maximum values 13350MPa, 6.41MPa•m1/2 and 502MPa, respectively. The wear resistance of alumina matrix ceramics are improved only on the condition of adding an appropriate amount of nano-ZrO2. The wear mechanism of the composites are abrasive particle wear and adhesion wear co-existing. The crack propagation rate of Al2O3 matrix ceramics decreases remarkably with the addition of nano-ZrO2 particles. The mechanisms of ZrO2 improving the heat-shocking resistance of alumina matrix ceramics are mainly phase transfer toughening. Nano-ZrO2 particles exist in the intragranular and grain boundary of alumina matrix ceramics, and exist intragranular structures.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 177)
• Pages: 364-368
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.177.364
• Online since: December 2010
• Authors: Wen He, Yun Long Ai, Chang Hong Liu, Jian Ping Zhang, Jia Yuan Ding
• Keywords: Al₂O₃-ZrO_2(n) Composite Ceramics, Microstructure, Microwave Sintering

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