Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of nano-ATZ ceramics by solid solution precipitation

Alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ) nanoceramics accompanied with high-strength, high-toughness and high-hardness were prepared by in-situ nanoprecipitation from using solid solution micro-powders. The submicron-sized Al2O3 (∼445 nm) ZrO2 (∼361 grains contained low-density precipitated nano-ZrO2 (∼35 nano-Y4Al2O9 (YAM, ∼87 particles, respectively, making high-performance nano-ATZ ceramics ultrafine intracrystalline nanostructure yet achieved. There was a parallel or eutectic lattice orientation relationship between the submicrocrystals its internal nanoparticles of their crystal planes, which is very conducive to improvement mechanical properties ceramics. fracture toughness hardness 30wt%Al2O3/70wt%ZrO2(3 mol%Y2O3) can reach up 5.68 ± 0.17 MPa m1/2 (single-edge V-notched beam method, SEVNB) 16.32 0.45 GPa, are improved ∼25% ∼20% compared those 3Y-TZP Therefore, this method be used prepare uniform distribution phases.