On the High-Temperature Plasticity of Ceria-Doped Zirconia Nanostructured Polycrystals

Ceria-zirconia ceramic alloys with the following molar composition: 0.12CeO2-0.88ZrO2 have been sintered by high-temperature annealing. Monolithic specimens haven been crept in compression at high temperatures. Creep experiments have been rationalized to an empirical constitutive equation which is consistent with a classical Ashby-Verrall creep regime. This result has been assessed through microstructural characterization of as-received and post-mortem specimens. A pure Ashby-Verrall creep is contrary to the conventional mechanism controlling creep in other zirconia alloys. A discussion on the explanation for such mechanism is outlined.