Grain Growth Behavior of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub> with a Small Amount of Zirconia

Abstract

Grain growth behavior in Al2O3 with a small amount of ZrO2 (< 5 vol%) was examined. Grain growth of Al2O3 was retarded by zirconia particles, despite the small amount of added zirconia. The fraction of the zirconia particles embedded within alumina grains (intragranular zirconia particles) increased with decreasing zirconia content and increasing sintering temperature. Grain growth inhibition of alumina in the Al2O3-ZrO2 showed good agreement with the prediction of modified Zener’s pinning effect by the zirconia particles on grain boundaries.