Effect of Transition Metal Oxides Addition on Yttria - stabilized Zirconia for improving Physical and Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of Y2O3-containing tetragonal ZrO2 polycrystals(Y-TZP) were investigated. Several additives were used to modify the hardness and fracture toughness of Y-TZP. The effects of these individual additives were discussed and their interactions were also analysed. Each additive, such as CoO, Fe2O3, MnO2 was found to deteriorate the mechanical properties of Y-TZP when it was used singly. But the fracture toughness of Y-TZP was significantly improved when these additives and Al2O3 were added in combination at a certain ratio. The addition of CoO, Fe2O3 and MnO2 into Y-TZP resulted in the more complex behavior of fracture toughness and hardness. The specimen with 1.5 wt%-Fe2O3, 3.0 wt% -Al2O3 and 1.5 wt%-CoO showed the monoclinic to tetragonal phase ratio of 18% and the highest toughness of $10.8MPa{\cdot}m1/2$ with Vickers hardness of 1201 kgf/mm2. However, the toughness decreased as the ratio increased and macrocracks developed beyond the ratio of 25%. Sample No. 16 is improved high Physical and Mechanical Properties.