Compressive Strength of Zirconia-Toughened Alumina (ZTA) Foam with CaCO3 and CeO2 Addition via Polymeric Sponge Replication Technique

The effects of CaCO3 and CeO2 additions on structural, microstructural and mechanical properties of zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) foams were investigated. The foams were fabricated via the sponge replication technique and sintered for 4 hours. The CaCO3 decomposition and elongated hibonite grains produced micropores. The compressive strength for both ZTA foams after adding CaCO3 and CeO2 was higher than the rest of the foams, respectively. The addition of CeO2 triggered larger yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) grains, which significantly improved the compressive strength of ZTA.