Effect of CeO2 on the sintering behaviour of zirconia-alumina composite

A highly reactive precursor powder for a composite containing an equimolar proportion of ZrO2 and Al2O3 was synthesised by the wet interaction of inorganic salts (Al(NO3)3 and ZrOCl2) in an aqueous medium (hydroxide hydrogel route) in order to obtain very fine particles with a uniform microstructure. CeO2 was used as a dopant, and the sintering behaviour of the CeO2-doped ZrO2-Al2O3 composite was studied. Sintering of the compact body indicated that the densification rate was enhanced from 1500 C. The role of CeO2 as a dopant was positive with respect to densification and retention of the tetragonal ZrO2 phase, ensuring superior thermomechanical properties. 8 refs.