Microstructural Characteristics of 3Y-TZP Ceramics and Their Effects on the Flexural Strength

This work evaluates the effects of grain growth and tetragonality t-ZrO2 phase on mechanical properties 3Y-TZP ceramics. Samples were sintered at 1475 °C for 2 h, 1600 2, 12, or 24 h. After sintering, tetragonal ZrO2 polytypes t t′ observed under all sintering conditions, while a residual content monoclinic was detected in samples The average size found to vary from 0.65 ± 0.10 2.20 0.35 μm. Moreover, zirconia ceramics h exhibit higher flexural strength (1210 85 MPa), lowest (910 90 MPa). These results related progressive formation Y3+-rich grains (t′-ZrO2) due boundary segregation-induced (GBSIPT) mechanism. Due high stabilizer concentration solid solution, these present lower tetragonality, being highly stable room temperature. Consequently, reduction is presence t′-ZrO2 phase, which less prompt transformation toughening process, limiting shielding zones’ effectiveness crack tip.