The interaction between ZrO2 and the steel matrix was investigated by examining a solid-state bonded sample made of these two materials. A manganese-depleted zone and a ferrite-rich layer close to the bond line were observed. The formation energy of MnZr3O8 was determined to be negative, indicating the possibility of MnZr3O8 formation. Both experimental results and first-principles calculations supported the occurrence of diffusion of Mn into ZrO2 and the formation of ferrite within the Mn-depleted zone in the vicinity of ZrO2. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.