Surface modification toughening of partially stabilized zirconia ceramics: by sub-eutectoid solution annealing

Abstract In this investigation, surface modification toughening of partially stabilized zirconia ceramics, by sub-eutectoid solution annealing, has been performed. The Zr 0.918 Mg 0.068 Y 0.014 O 1.925 designated (MZY) was prepared mixing Magnesia Partially Stabilized Zirconia (MZ9) and Yttria Tetragonal (TZ3Y) Polycrystal commercial powders using wet ball milling. mechanical properties microstructure the MZY were investigated. XRD SEM used for phase analysis examination sintered samples’ surfaces. fracture toughness hardness compacts determined Vickers indentation technique. physical compared to those MZ9 ceramics under same conditions. results showed that, addition inhibited exaggerated growth tetragonal precipitates during sintering. a maximum in 12.9 MPa√m upon annealing at 1000 °C 150 h, while lost coherence due their spontaneous massive transformation monoclinic via decomposition reaction.