Correlation Between Casting Parameters and Mechanical Properties of an Al sub 2 O sub 3 --ZrO sub 2 Composite

Slip casting parameters and mechanical properties were analysed for several different slip casting compositions of tetragonal zirconia-toughened alumina (Al sub 2 O sub 3 --t-ZrO sub 2 ). The slurries were prepared with the same weight ratio of the two solid phases, 70/30 for alumina and zirconia, respectively, but with a different solid:liquid ratio and different pH of the suspensions. Distinctive features of the green and sintered bodies were shown to be highly dependent on the rheological characteristics of the slurries. Some effects on the final mechanical properties were also found.