Effects of additive amount, testing method, fabrication process and sintering temperature on the mechanical properties of Al2O3/3Y-TZP composites

In this research, samples of Alumina (Al2O3) along with 5, 10, 15 and 20 vol% of 3 mol.% Y2O3-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) have been prepared by different green processing techniques (conventional slip-casting or novel tape-casting) and subsequently sintered at temperatures of 1550 and 1650 °C. The mechanical properties of these composites have then been studied. To measure the hardness, Young's modulus and fracture toughness (KIC) values of the prepared samples, two different methods have been used and their results have been compared with each other. The findings indicate that by increasing the volume percentage of 3Y-TZP additive phase in the composites, their relative density, hardness, Young's modulus and flexural strength are reduced, but their KIC value is increased. Also, in most of the cases, choosing a particular fabrication process (slip-casting or tape-casting), sintering temperature, or a method of measuring the mechanical properties does not lead to a significant change in the obtained results.