Microstructure And Mechanical Properties Of Alumina/Zirconia Layered Composites

Symmetric three-layer Al2O3/ZrO2 composite has been prepared by freeze casting and pressureless sintering at 1400-1600 degrees C in air. The layered material sintered at 1600 degrees C showed the maximum fracture strength (410 MPa), measured by a four-point bending test. Contact damage strength was superior in three-layer composite compared with corresponding mono-layered material, possibly due to the development of relatively large compressive stress. The grain growth of ZrO2 particles was mainly governed by coalescence mechanism.