Investigation the effect addition of nano Al2O3 on microstructure of Yttria tetragonal Zirconia polycrystalline ceramic

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to prepare tetragonal zirconia polycrystals powder by coprecipitation method and study effects of addition of different amounts of nano Al2O3 (1, 2 and 4) wt.% on its microstructure and mechanical properties of (5Y-TZP) composite. Design/methodology/approach: The powder was uniaxial pressed at a pressure of 150 MPa and held for 60 s, and sintered at the 1500°C, held for two hours and then cooling down at 5°C/min to room temperature. Microhardness and fracture toughness tests were utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties of yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal composite. The microstructure has been observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM). Findings: The results showed an addition of nano Al2O3 has a great influence on hardness and microstructure, the increase in Vicker's microhardness of composite samples with the increase in the nano Al2O3 wt.% and microstructure were characterized with homogeneous zirconia distribution, grain growth destruction with the increasing percentage of nano Al2O3. The most important influence is the enhancing of the densification process as the porosity decreased. The highest hardness and maximum fracture toughness were recorded at 4 wt.% nano Al2O3. Research limitations/implications: Ceramic matrix composites are developed to overcome the brittleness of ZrO2 and the low toughness of alumina by formation, a large difference of elastic behavior between matrix and particles(dispersion phase )which disturbs the stress field as a dislocation comes near a particle. Practical implications: Zirconia has mechanical properties similar to those of stainless steel. Yttria-stabilized tetragonal Zirconia (Y-TZP) is growing used in dentistry due to its good mechanical properties such as hardness and fracture toughness. Thus, controlling of microstructure by adding nanoalumina plays an important role in enhancing these properties. Originality/value: Study the adding bitty percentage from nano alumina on microstructure and mechanical properties of (5Y-TZP) ceramic.