Bonding of stabilised zirconia (Y-TZP) by means of nano Y-TZP particles

A technique has been developed for bonding conventionally produced plates o f yttria stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) to one another by using nano-sized particles of the same chemical composition as an inter layer. The latter was in the form of a disc partially pre-consolidated at e levated temperature. Bonding was pet-formed under carefully controlled cond itions of hot pressing. Sound bonds were obtained as determined by ultrason ic examination and bend tests. The temperatures used for bonding were perha ps up to 400 degreesC less than would have been required for powder of conv entional size (several mum). The bonds obtained should have the additional advantages of preserving the physical and corrosion-resistant properties of the plates being joined. The technique should be applicable to a wide rang e of oxides, non-oxide ceramics, intermetallic and inorganic compounds. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.