Processing and properties of Y-TZP/Al<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> composites

The processing and property measurement of Y-TZP/Al2O3 ceramic-ceramic composites was investigated. The wet chemical synthesis route was adopted for the preparation of 3Y-TZP matrix dispersed with Al2O3 in three different volume fractions. Characterization of the resultant powders was carried out and their densification behaviour was studied by sintering in air in the temperature range 1200-1600 °C. The role of alumina as grain-growth inhibitor for Y-TZP, and the mechanical response of these ultrafine-grain ceramic composites in terms of Klc characteristics, have been discussed