Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrO2 (Y2O3)-Al2O3 nanocomposites prepared by spark plasma sintering

ZrO2 (Y2O3)-Al2O3 nanoceramic was fabricated from nanocomposite powder composed of ZrO2 (3 mol%-Y2O3) and α-Al2O3 by spark plasma sintering. Good mechanical properties were achieved as compared with the powder from the conventional mechanically mixed method. The results showed that the density increased with increasing sintering temperature, and thus, the mechanical properties were strengthened.