Al2O3:ZrO2 ceramics have been prepared from physically mixed pure oxid
e powders. The results indicate that careful processing of the startin
g powders and a two-stage sintering process can avoid expensive proces
sing methods like hot pressing/hot isostatic pressing used for achievi
ng high densification. The mechanical properties were measured and the
resultant microstructure studied to explain the toughening behaviour
of this material.