Microstructure and physical properties of some oxide eutectic composites processed by directional solidification Original Research Article

Eutectic composites of lamellar ZrO2–CaO and ZrO2–NiO and fibrous Al2O3–ZrO2, Al2O3–ZrO2(Y2O3), ZrO2–MgO and CaF2–MgO wide gap materials have been grown from the melt by unidirectional solidification using laser floating zone and Bridgman techniques. The unique microstructure and interface morphology of these composites led to some remarkable mechanical (strength and toughness), optical (light guiding) and transport (ionic conduction) properties. The underlying relationships between microstructure and properties were briefly discussed in each case in the light of some possible applications of these eutectics.