The effect of La2O3 on the microstructure and room temperature mechanical properties of t-ZrO2

I. Bülent Nilüfer, Hasan Gökçe, Faiz Muhaffel, M. Lütfi Öveçoǧlu, Hüseyin Çimenoǧlu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9443-9447
Number of pages5
JournalCeramics International
Volume42
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 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

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