Ca-ATZ/Ca-ATZ+SiO₂ functionally graded ceramic

ABSTRACT

The paper studies the structural features, phase composition and complex mechanical properties of two-layer composite ceramics based on alumina-toughened zirconia with silica added (Ca-ATZ/Ca-ATZ+SiO₂). The ceramics under study were manufactured using a cost-effective technology involving grinding and mixing powders, layering of powder mixtures (different compositions), uniaxial pressing and two-stage sintering. It was found that at the interface of the compositions, there is an abrupt increase in fracture toughness (by 33%) and a decrease in hardness and Young’s modulus (by 8% and 7%, respectively). The possibility of manufacturing composite ceramics Ca-ATZ+SiO₂ (with a thin surface layer, not containing SiO₂) with a high ratio of hardness (not lower than 14 GPa) and fracture toughness (not lower than 12 MPa m^1/2) was shown. Given the increased resistance to low-temperature degradation of the developed ceramics, this will increase the service life of products operated under high mechanical loads in a humid atmosphere.

KEYWORDS:

• Functionally graded materials
• composite ceramics
• microstructure
• mechanical properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation [grant number 075-15-2021-709] (unique project identifier RF—2296.61321X0037).