Influence of forming conditions on characteristics of alumina-PSZ composites

The purpose of the work reported in the present paper was to establish the correlation between the physical, mechanical, and microstructural propertie s of alumina matrix composites reinforced with (CeO2, Nd2O3, Y2O3)-PSZ (par tially stabilised zirconia) depending on the processing and thermal treatme nt conditions. The composites obtained from fine powder mixtures were forme d by hydraulic pressing, ceramic injection moulding, and hot pressing under various temperature and pressure conditions. The samples were fired at 155 0-1770 degreesC in an oxidising atmosphere and in vacuum depending on the f orming conditions. Comparative microstructure investigations were made by T EM on sample surfaces. The XRD results were in accordance with the determin ed properties of the investigated compositions. The results highlighted tha t the best physical and mechanical properties and homogenous microstructure for the ZTA composites were obtained by firing in vacuum. BCT/442.