Abstract
Sintering and hot pressing have been used for preparation of monolithic ZrO 2 and zirconia–carbon nanotube (CNT) composite. The effect of the processing route and the CNT's addition on the microstructure, fracture/mechanical and electrical properties of the zirconia has been investigated at room temperature. The microstructure of the sintered and hot-pressed monolithic ZrO 2 consists of a submicron-sized grains. The matrix of the ZrO 2–CNT composite consists of a grains with even smaller size (approximately 140 nm) with relatively well dispersed carbon nanotubes. The hardness and the indentation toughness of the sintered monolithic zirconia are 1297 kg/mm 2 and 8.01 MPa m 0.5 and of the hot-pressed monolithic zirconia 1397 kg/mm 2 and 6.24 MPa m 0.5, respectively. The addition of the CNT's decreased the hardness and indentation toughness to 830 kg/mm 2 and 5.6 MPa m 0.5 however the electrical resistivity decreased significantly in comparison to the monolithic zirconia to the value of 0.1 Ω cm.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
