Role of small amount of MgO and ZrO sub(2) on creep behaviour of high purity Al sub(2)O sub(3)

Small levels of various dopants have a significant effect on creep in polycrystalline alumina. While most previous studies have examined the effect of ionic size, the influence of valency of dopants on creep has not yet been completely characterized. The present detailed experimental study, utilizing magnesia and zirconia with a similar ionic size, demonstrates that the ionic valency of dopants also plays a crucial role in creep since magnesia does not significantly alter creep whereas zirconia retards creep substantially. Magnesia doped alumina deforms by Coble diffusion creep whereas zirconia doped alumina deforms by an interface controlled diffusion creep process.