Strengthening of Al2O3-ZrO2 composite by the aqueous precipitation method

Al2O3 -3.5 and -20wt%ZrO2 composites powders have been prepared by the aqueous precipitation method. Another kind of composite powder has also been prepared by the ball milling process, for comparison. Pressureless sintering has been performed on these powders and the composites bending strength examined. The mean bending strength of the composites fabricated by the aqueous precipitation process is 100MPa higher than by the ball milling process in both cases of 3.5 and 20wt% ZrO2 content. In this paper, this bending strength enhancement of the composite by the aqueous precipitation process is discussed in connection with the dispersed ZrO2.