Densification Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Yttrium and Zirconium Doped Alumina Ceramics

The densification behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3 doped with 500 ppm level of Y2O3 and ZrO2 were investigated. Both of the batches were uniaxial pressed into discs and rectangular bars, and solid state-sintered at temperature of 1600 °C for 2 hrs. The density was found to increase, simultaneously with the hardness of doped composition. The Y-doped alumina body showed exaggerated grain growth while Zr-doped body resulted bimodal distribution of grain