Effect of Material Composition on Mechanical Properties of Ceramics-Metal Composite Materials

Abstract

This paper deals with fabrication and strength evaluation of biocompatible composites consisting of partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) and pure titanium (Ti). The biocompatible composites of PSZ-Ti were fabricated by a hot pressing method of powder metallurgy. A volume ratio of PSZ and Ti was changed. Four-point bending tests and Vickers hardness tests of the PSZ-Ti composite were performed to determine the Young's modulus, bending strength, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness. These properties were characterized as a function of Ti volume fraction. The Young's modulus and Vickers hardness were higher than the prediction of the rule of mixture. The bending strength and fracture toughness were decreased with increasing Ti content. To discuss these results from a viewpoint of reaction products, the components of raw powders and sintered composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis. It is concluded that oxide of titanium and other reaction products were created after sintering and they affected the mechanical performances of the composites.