Mechanical properties of sinter-forged Al2O3-ZrO2 ceramics

Two kinds of composites, Al2O3-25 wt% ZrO2 (2 mol% Y2O3) (Y-ZTA), Al2O3-25 wt% ZrO2 (8 mol% CeO2) (Ce-ZTA) were produced by sinter-forging. The effect of presintering temperature on the mechanical properties of the composites was examined. The sinter-forging process increased the room-temperature bending strength in comparison with pressureless sintering, owing to the smaller grain size in sinter-forged bodies than in pressureless sintered ones. It was found necessary to keep the presintering temperature considerably lower than sinter-forging temperature to improve the room-temperature strength. The strength of sinter-forged Ce-ZTA was higher than that of sinter-forged Y-ZTA. The residual surface compressive stress induced by the phase transition during grinding in Ce-ZTA was found to improve further the strength and fracture toughness. 22 refs.