Mechanical and microstructural evaluation of Y-TZP using microwave sintering technique

Abstract

The effects of adding Al2O3 and CeO2 on the microstructure, mechanical and physical properties of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) ceramics is presented over a wide sintering regime by pressureless sintering. It has been revealed that small additions of dopant to Y-TZP were beneficial in enhancing the mechanical properties of Y-TZP. Sintered samples were used to evaluate the bulk density, Vickers's hardness, Young's modulus, and shrinkage of the material. Al2O3 and CeO2 doped Y-TZPs sintered at 1450°C retained high bulk density (>97% of theoretical density) and Young's modulus (>200 GPa) without sacrificing tetragonal phase stability. The optimum level of dopant was found to be at 0.3 Al2O3 / 0.5 CeO2 at sintering temperature between 1250°C and 1450°C using the standard 12 min holding time cycle, with sintered body exhibiting excellent combination of properties when compared to the undoped ceramics. © 2016 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.