MICROSTRUCTURE OF SINTERED ZRO2-AL2O3-Y2O3 CERAMICS

A kinetic model for recrystallization in a homogeneous material is use d to interpret the results of experimental studies in which the densit y and spatial distribution of obstacles impeding movement of grain bou ndaries may vary. The structural inhomogeneity of ZrO2-Al2O3-Y2O3 cera mics is shown to have little effect on the grain-size distribution: th e difference between the ceramics and homogeneous materials is no grea ter than 10%. The ceramics prepared from laser-irradiated powders are composed of more equiaxed grains.