Abstract

In this research paper, the physical properties, and microstructural characteristics of 3 mol % Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia (3YSZ) matrix reinforced with 10 volume percent of alumina (Al₂O₃) is presented and briefly discussed. The composites were developed using the techniques of Conventional Sintering [1600 °C, 5 °C/minute and held for 6 hours] and Microwave Sintering [1600 °C, 25 °C/minute and held for 1 hour] under pressure-less condition. The sintered powders were subsequently compacted using a uniaxial cold isostatic press at a pressure of 200MPa. The relative density and average grain size of both the conventional sintered samples and microwave sintered samples were determined and found to be [density: 98.16±0.15, grain size: 600nm] and [density:99.29±0.10, grain size: 421nm], while the thermal conductivity was determined to be 2.3W/mK and 2.6W/mK, respectively. A near uniform microstructure was observed for both the samples. The microwave sintered samples were observed to have superior physical properties when compared one-on-one with the conventional sintered counterpart. This study provides useful information specific to the development of thermal barrier coatings and for use in dental applications.

Keywords:Microwave sintering (MW); Conventional sintering (CS); Alumina-toughened-zirconia (ATZ); Physical properties; Microstructure analysis