Effect of rod-like grain on properties and toughening mechanism of 3Y-TZP/Al2O3 ceramics

In-situ rod-like Al2O3 grain was prepared by adding CAS multiphase additives under the sintering condition of 30 MPa, 1 550 °C and 1 h. The sintering behaviors, microstructure, toughening mechanism and access of Al2O3 ceramics were investigated by SEM, EDS and WDW omnipotent electronic mechanical testing machine, etc, and the crack propagating model of cylindrical crystal/3Y-TZP composite toughening Al2O3 ceramics was established. The results show that the composite additives prompt the anisotropic growth of Al2O3 grain, which strengthens toughening effect of 3Y-TZP in 3Y-TZP/Al2O3 composite ceramics. Moreover, the experimental material density is near to theoretical density, bending strength is 556.35 MPa, and fracture toughness is 6.73 MPa·m1/2. The mechanical properties of the materials are obviously improved.