The ballistic impact performance of nanocrystalline zirconia-toughened alumina (nZTA) and alumina ceramics

Crack growth resistance of alumina, zirconia and zirconia toughened alumina ceramics for joint prostheses.

Mono-phase bio-ceramics (alumina and zirconia) are widely used as femoral heads in total hip replacements (THR) as an alternative to metal devices. Unfortunately, the orthopaedic community reports significant in-vivo failures. Material scientists are already familiar with composites like alumina zirconia. Since both are biocompatible, this could prove to be a new approach to implants. This pape...

Fracture simulation for zirconia toughened alumina microstructure

Processing and Properties of Zirconia-Toughened Alumina Prepared by Gelcasting

Zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) using yttria-stabilised zirconia is a good option for ceramic-ceramic bearing couples for hip joint replacement. Gelcasting is a colloidal processing technique capable of producing complex products with a range of dimensions and materials by a relatively low-cost production process. Using gelcasting, ZTA samples were prepared, optimising the stages of fabricatio...

Microstructural Alterations in Alumina Ceramics Associated with Ballistic Impact Events

Surface topography and defect structures associated with ballistic impact in a commercial 94 percent alumina ceramic armor are described. Fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy, augmenting previous replication electron fractography studies. Direct transmission electron microscopy was employed in characterizing defect structures in extracted fracture fragments on replica...

Slow-Crack-Growth Behavior of Zirconia-Toughened Alumina Ceramics Processed by Different Methods

A study of slow-crack propagation in zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramics is presented. Different ZTA composites, using either unstabilized or yttria-stabilized zirconia, have been tested. The materials were prepared in the range 0–15 vol% ZrO2, using two processing methods: powder mixing and a modified colloidal route. Crack propagation tests have been conducted for crack velocities from ...