Sustainable ZTA composites produced by an advanced centrifugal slip casting method

Abstract

The centrifugal slip casting method presented in the paper is used to form ceramic sleeves with a good shape representation, eliminating material losses in machining or other forms of mechanical treatment that could be necessary when other moulding methods with a poorer shape representation are used. Sleeves developed this way can be used as system components to transport aggressive substances under elevated pressure and temperature conditions. To confirm the functionality of the sleeves prepared with the method, Al2O3, ZrO2, and composite components of ZTA were characterised for acid-base behavior, phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical strength. The tests confirmed the formation of expected gradient structures for ZTA composites. It results in the generation of components with improved flexural and torsional strength compared to non-gradient ZTA composites with the same Al2O3 to ZrO2 ratio. Applying a smaller quantity of ZrO2 should bring a positive economic effect, considering its high price. The analysis of accompanying environmental impacts was carried out for developed materials along with the lifecycle analysis. The paper describes a reduced waste generation method for making components for aggressive substance transportation systems. The present paper presents characteristics of materials for their resistance to factors under working conditions, demonstrating their durability and potential to reduce waste related to the operation of such system types.