Activated pressureless melt infiltration of zirconia-based metal matrix composites

Zirconia-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced by the pressureless activated melt infiltration method. Porous titanium activated preforms based on monoclinic ZrO2 and partially stabilised ZrO2 powders (Ca-PSZ, Mg-PSZ) were infiltrated by steel melt under vacuum. The generated microstructures were studied by SEM and EDX and the Young's modulus and the bending strength were determined. In addition, first trials have been carried out in order to illustrate the impact of the martensitic transformation of zirconia and the associated induced stresses on the mechanical properties of the zirconia-based MMCs. Finally, the wear behaviour of the composites was investigated.