Influences of microwave and conventional sintering on the wear behavior of Al2O3-ZrO2 ceramics

The multi-mode microwave system and conventional sintering were carried out. Properties of Al2O3-ZrO2 composites were investigated, relative wear mechanisms were proposed with regard to the processing approaches, Compared with the conventional results, microwave processed ZTA ceramics appear with the improved relative density, fracture toughness and bending strength, the developed microwave structure, and the ameliorated wear resistance. The wear for the conventional ZTA specimens are mainly caused by the shovel of the interface gains, the porosity is filled by the debris and the smooth wear track is achieved; whereas interface grains in microwave specimens are basically swept out. The incremental loads accelerate the wear.