Powder preparation, mechanical and electrical properties of cubic zirconia ceramics

Cubic zirconia ceramics, doped either with 8 mol% Y2O3 or with 12 mol% MgO and CaO, were prepared from precursor material obtained via co-precipitation with ammonia fr om aqueous metal chlor ide solutions. Precipitation experiments with and without the addition of surfactant were carried out. Different methods of drying were employed followed by calcination and attrition steps to obtain oxidic precursors. The powders were characterized by particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy and specific surface areas. Following isostatic compaction the oxide powders were sintered at 1600 and 1700 degrees C for 4 h. The effects of the powder characteristics and the drying procedures on the mechanical properties of the sintered bodies were investigated.