Abstract
Structural and mechanical properties of La2O3 added (up to 5 wt%) t-ZrO2 compacts were examined with the aim of optimizing hardness and fracture toughness for room temperature applications. Structural examinations were performed using an X-ray diffractometer and a scanning electron microscope. Mechanical properties of the compacts were determined as modulus of elasticity, hardness and fracture toughness by conducting Vickers indentation tests under test loads of 0.5, 1 and 10 kg. Addition of 0.5 wt% La2O3 deteriorated the room temperature stability of t-ZrO2 by forming m-ZrO2 and coarse polygonal grains in the matrix. Higher concentrations (2 and 5 wt% La2O3) caused precipitation of La2Zr2O7 at the grain boundaries, which also accompanied by a reduction in hardness. Fracture toughness increased with increasing La2O3 content of the compact. Finally, an optimum combination between hardness and fracture toughness was obtained for the 0.5 wt% La2O3 containing compact.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 9443-9447 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Ceramics International |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2016 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Hardness
- Lanthanum oxide
- Toughness
- Zirconia