Phase evolution and chemical durability of Zr1-xCexO2 (0 x 1) ceramics

Ce-doped zirconia ceramics with general stoichiometry of Zr1-xCexO2 (0 x 1) have been obtained by substitution of Ce4+ for Zr4+ in ZrO2. The phase and microstructure evolutions of the ceramics were investigated, and the effects of composition, temperature, and pH value on the chemical durability of the ceramics were also studied. The results show that the phase transformation from monoclinic to tetragonal takes place at about x = 0.2, and from tetragonal to cubic at about x = 0.6. It is found that the increase in Ce content and/or sinter temperature promote the phase transformation. The leaching studies show that the normalized leaching rates of Ce (LRCe) increase with increasing Ce content. Moreover, LRCe in acid solution are higher than those in neutral and alkaline solution. After 42 days, LRCe is 10(-5) 10(-7) g m(-2) d(-1) under all different leaching conditions, exhibiting their excellent chemical durability.