Abstract In this study, zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) samples with different amounts of CeO2 were prepared by the spark plasma sintering method. The phase composition and microstructure of the samples were… Click to show full abstract
Abstract In this study, zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) samples with different amounts of CeO2 were prepared by the spark plasma sintering method. The phase composition and microstructure of the samples were examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The addition of CeO2 results in grain refinement and density increase; moreover, CeO2 stabilises the high-temperature metastable phase. As the amount of CeO2 reaches 7 wt%, a new CeAl11O18 phase appears. The Vickers hardness, modulus, and fracture toughness of the samples depend to a large extent on the grain size, relative density, and existence of the second phase. Among the composites, that with 5 wt% CeO2 shows the best performance with the highest values of relative density, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness: 96.51%, 1688 HV, and 9.91 MPa.√m, respectively.
               
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