LAUSR

Abstract In the present study, the preparation of strontium hexaaluminate/ZTA composites via a solid-state reaction was carried out. The effect of 10–40 mass% SrAl12O19 on the microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of the SrAl12O19/ZTA composite were addressed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the role of the SrAl12O19 content on the phase composition and microstructure. The addition of SrAl12O19 to zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) favours the formation of plate-like grains. The addition of up to 30 mass % SrAl12O19 improves the fracture toughness, while a further increase has a negative effect.