Effect of Al2O3 addition on the mechanical properties of biocompatible ZrO2-Al2O3 compositesac

Author(s)

Santos, C. ; Teixeira, L. H. P. ; Strecker, K. ; Elias, C. N. ; Salgado, L ; Filho, FA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Materials Science Forum; v. 530-531, p. 3-pg., 2006-01-01.

Abstract

In this work, the effects of alumina additions on the properties of the ZrO2-Al2O3 ceramic composites were investigated. Samples of ZrO2 with Al2O3 additions varying between 0 and 30wt-% were prepared. The powder mixtures were milled, compacted by uniaxial cold pressing and sintered at 1600 degrees C, in air, for 2 hours. The sintered samples were characterized by their relative density, phase composition and microstructure. As mechanical properties at room temperature, their Vickers hardness and fracture toughness were determined: In all sintering conditions and Al2O3 amounts, the samples presented relative density higher that 99%. The Al2O3 addition produces a linear increase of the hardness, reaching values between 1350 and 1610 HV for the addition of 0 and 30% of alumina, respectively. The fracture toughness was near to 8 MPam(1/2) in all conditions. The phase composition, microstructure and relative density were correlated in order to interpret the mechanical properties obtained. (AU)