Sintering and technological properties of alumina/zirconia/nano-TiO2 ceramic composites

The present work focuses on studying the effect of nano TiO2 (0.0–25 mass%) on the sintering behavior and mechanical properties of alumina/zirconia ceramic composites. Al2O3–ZrO2–TiO2 oxides mixture was sintered at 1600 °C to obtain the desired composites. The sinterability and the technological properties of these ceramic composites, i.e. the sintering parameters and microhardness as well as thermal shock resistance were investigated. Moreover, phase composition and microstructure of the sintered bodies were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results revealed that nano TiO2 is a beneficial component for alumina/zirconia ceramic composites. The batch containing 20 mass% TiO2 exhibited the highest sintering and mechanical properties as well as resistance to thermal shock. The obtained microstructure exhibited high compacted ceramic matrix composites.

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► The role of nano TiO2 on sintering and mechanical properties of Al2O3/ZrO2 composites has been investigated.
► The sinterability of the obtained composites was improved after addition of nano TiO2.
► Microhardness and thermal shock resistance were improved after addition of nano TiO2.
► Composite having 75% Al2O3, 5% ZrO2 and 20% nano TiO2 exhibited the best properties.