Mechanical properties and microstructure characterization of zirconia nanoparticles glass composites for SOFC sealant

► Mechanical properties of specimens changed with increasing in amount of zirconia. ► Growth of needle-shape crystalline phases by increasing the heat-treatment time. ► Needle-shaped phases and decrease in density of specimens decrease microhardness. ► Increasing the heat-treatment time improve fracture toughness and flexure strength.