The Effect of Sintering Profiles on Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) Prepared by Two-Stage Sintering

Abstract

The effects of sintering profiles on the Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) composite containing 0 vol% Y-TZP (pure alumina) to 20 vol% Y-TZP content prepared by a sintering method known as two-stage sintering were investigated. The heating rate was set between 10°C/min to 20°C/min, T1 set between 1400°C to 1500°C, T2 at 1350°C and holding time was set at 12 hours. The samples’ microstructural properties and mechanical properties, including bulk density, Vickers hardness, Young’s modulus and fracture toughness, were evaluated. Based on the data obtained, the ZTA composites with 10 vol% Y-TZP sintered at a heating rate of 10°C/min and holding time of 12 hours were able to achieve mechanical properties requirements set by the industry standard. In addition, the maximum ZTA composite’s bulk density was recorded to be above 90% T.D, while the Vickers hardness of the composite was recorded to be exceeding 17 GPa. The ZTA composite also recorded maximum Young’s modulus exceeding 380 GPa and fracture toughness above 6 MPam1/2.