Description
Abstract: This paper reports an investigation on the effect of doping with 0.75 wt% of Ta2O5 and Nb2O5 on the physical and mechanical properties of zirconia-toughened-alumina (ZTA) composites. Each composition was mixed, and pressed using uniaxial press under 220 MPa into discs and rectangular bars. The samples were sintered at 1650 °C for 1h. The phase composition and microstructures of the as sintered ceramic composites were characterized by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope respectively. The mechanical properties of the ceramic composites were evaluated through Vickers hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness tests. The results showed that both dopants enhanced the densification parameters of the composites, as well as their mechanical properties. It was observed that doping with Ta2O5 has a much better effect on the properties of ZTA composites.
Authors: S.M. Naga, M. Awaad, and A.M. Hassan
Keywords: Zirconia-Toughened-Alumina, Doping, Niobia, Tantala, Mechanical Properties