Structure and Mechanical Properties of the CaO–ZrO2–Al2O3 Ceramic Composites at Low Corundum Concentrations

Abstract

We have studied the effect of the ratio between concentrations of zirconium dioxide (stabilized by CaO) and corundum on phase composition and mechanical properties of nanostructured CaO–ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ ceramic composites. The CaO–ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ composites sintered at temperatures typical of ZrO₂ are found to be characterized by the optimal microhardness/fracture toughness ratio at corundum content \({{C}_{{{\text{A}}{{{\text{l}}}_{2}}{{{\text{O}}}_{3}}}}}\) = 5%. These composites have a high flexural strength; their porosity, coefficient of friction, and wear are typical of those for CaO–ZrO₂ ceramics.