Abstract

3YSZ + (x) Al₂O₃ composites (x = 20, 40, 60, 80 wt%) were fabricated and the influences of particle sizes of Al₂O₃ on their microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated with XRD, SEM, vickers hardness and fracture toughness. Al₂O₃-3YSZ composites containing Al₂O₃ powder of a 0.3 μm and an 1.0 μm, which are here in after named as Al2O3(0.3 μm)-3YSZ and Al₂O₃ (1.0 μm)-3YSZ, respectively, were made by mixing raw materials, uni-axial pressing and sintering at 1,400℃, 1,500℃, and 1,600℃. Al₂O₃ (0.3 μm)-3YSZ composites show the higher density and the better mechanical properties than Al₂O₃ (1.0 μm)-3YSZ composites. The Vickers hardness of the Al₂O₃ (0.3 μm)-3YSZ composites show a peak value of 1,997 Hv at the content of 60 wt% Al₂O₃, which is a slightly higher value in comparison with 1,938 Hv of the Al2O3(1.0 μm)-3YSZ composite. However, the fracture toughness of Al₂O₃-3YSZ composites monotonically increases with decreasing the content of Al₂O₃ without any peak values. Al₂O₃ (0.3 μm)-3YSZ and Al₂O₃ (1.0 μm)-3YSZ composites sintered at 1,600℃ have a maximum value of a 6.9 MPa·m1/2 and a 6.2 MPa·m1/2, respectively at the composition of containing 20 wt% Al2O3. It should be noticed that the mechanical properties and the sintering density of the Al₂O₃-3YSZ composites can be enhanced by using more fine Al₂O₃ powder due to their denser microstructure and smaller grain size.

• Keywords: Mechanical properties, Fracture toughness, Vickers hardness, Microstructure, Composites