Two-step sintering of Sm2O3 doped ceria stabilized zirconia

Effect of Sm2O3 addition and two-step sintering of Ceria Stabilized Zirconia (CSZ) on microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated in the present work. Samaria doped CSZ (SmCSZ) nanopowders were prepared by co-precipitation synthesis from their respective nitrate salts. Synthesized powders were calcined at 1000 degrees C for 2 h and then compacted to phi 10 mm pellets using a uniaxial hydraulic press. Single step & two-step sintering methods were used to sinter the compacted pellets. Powders and sintered pellets were characterized for phase and microstructure using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique. Rietveld method was used for quantification of obtained phases. The hardness of the sintered samples was evaluated by Vicker's hardness tester, and toughness was estimated by indentation fracture toughness method. Samples sintered using two-step sintering method shown optimum hardness and toughness (up to 1288 HV10 and 5.37 MPa m(1/2)) values compared to conventionally sintered samples because of reduced grain size.