Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ZrO₂(Y₂O₃)-Al₂O₃ Nano Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

Zirconia (Y₂O₃)-alumina ceramic nanocomposites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). A commercially available nanocomposite powder TZP-3Y20A was used as starting powder, the other from conventionally mechanical mixed powder 3YSZ-20A used for comparison. The effect of sintering temperature on the densification, sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the composites were investigated. The results show that the density increase with increasing of sintering temperature, and thus mechanical properties were strengthened with enhancing of densification. The nanocomposite powder TZP-3Y20A was easily sintered and good mechanical properties were achieved, compared with the powder from conventionally mechanical mixed, where the maximum strength and toughness of composites are 967 MPa and 5.27 MPam^1/2, respectively.