ABSTRACT
Yttria-ceria doped tetragonal zirconia / alumina, (Y,Ce–TZP / Al2O3) composites were
prepared via sol-gel and powder mixing techniques. The bodies were uniaxially
pressed at 220 MPa. The formed green bodies were fired at 1500°C up to 1650°C
with temperature interval of 50°C and firing rate of 5°C /min. The samples were
evaluated for their densification, microstructure and phase constitution as well as
their mechanical properties. ANSYS (finite element package) is utilized to simulate
the temperature distribution along the material and so thermal conductivity of the
material is calculated. The present study results showed an improvement in the
properties of the samples prepared via sol-gel route compared with traditional
powder mixing one. X-ray diffraction patterns of both sol-gel and mechanically mixed
fired samples indicate the presence of cerium – zirconium oxide (Ce2Zr3O10) phase
and the absence of cerium aluminate (CeAlO3) phase. It was concluded that the
starting materials preparation route has a noticeable impact on the sintering behavior
and mechanical properties of the final product.