Characteristics of superplastic deformation in dual phase alumina-zirconia composites

A review of the deformation behavior of dual phase alumina - tetragonal zirconia composites is presented. Specifically, the influence of second phase additions on the deformation mechanisms and deformation rate is discussed in reference to published experimental observations made across the entire range of compositions in the alumina-zirconia system. It is demonstrated that the parameters controlling the creep rate in the composite are similar to those observed in the major phase. However the rate of creep deformation under nominally similar conditions varies dramatically as the composition of the composite changes.