Processing and characterization of high-density zirconia-carbon nanotube composites

► Indentation fracture toughness increased nearly 15% in 3Y-TZP with 2 vol.% MWCNTs. ► Vickers hardness decreased slightly (∼10%) in 3Y-TZP with 2 vol.% MWCNTs. ► Elastic modulus does not practically change with or without carbon nanotubes. ► The addition of MWCNTs has negligible effect on crack opening displacement. ► Crack tip toughness is found to be the same in monolithic and composite material.