Investigation of the Properties of Zirconia Based Ceramics

Zirconia based ceramics properties were investigated utilizing it as a reference material for thermal conductivity measurements. Zirconia based ceramics (YSZ) containing 7 wt % Y2O3 were fabricated using fine powders prepared by the hydrolysis technique. The mechanical properties of these ceramics – crushing strength and elongation were evaluated. These properties are discussed on the basis of their stability at the experimental conditions at 1000 oC temperature. Microstructure of polished cross-section of the samples was investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phase analysis was identified by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Thermal conductivity of the ceramics was measured at various temperatures using hot-wire (cross-array and parallel) and inverse methods