Effects of CeO₂ Addition on Slip - Cast Yttria Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals Toughened Alumina (ZTA)

Addition of CeO₂ into ZTA and its effects on microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. CeO₂ was detected with significant amounts only above 10 wt%. Viscosity was measured for slurry preparartions and characterization of mechanical properties of ZTA. Additions of CeO₂ of more than 10 wt% surpassed the solubility limit and formed Ce₂Zr₃O₁₀. Ce₂Zr₃O₁₀ increased the tetragonality factor, prevented excessive grain growth through a pinning effect, which is attributed to the segregation of Ce₂Zr₃O₁₀ to the grain boundaries and showed a peak in fracture toughness with a value of 9.3 MPam_1/2 with 10 wt% additions of CeO₂. Further additions of CeO₂ reduced ZTA’s mechanical strength. Maximum value of H_v was 17700 MPa with 10 wt% CeO₂. Porosities have been attributed as the underlying reason as to why theoretical density were always higher than measured densities.