Neutron diffraction investigation for possible anisotropy within monolithic Al2O3/Y-TZP composites fabricated by stacking together cast tapes

The development of residual stresses in two Al2O3 + 5 vol.% yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic composites fabricated by conventional slip casting and by joining green cast tapes was investigated. Neutron diffraction profiles revealed compressive microstresses (−200 MPa) in the Al2O3 matrix and tensile ones (2200 MPa) in the Y-TZP particles, irrespective of the processing route and the direction of measurement, which demonstrates the lack of residual macrostresses due to the joining procedure.