Synthesis, sintering and microstructure of 3Y-TZP/CuO nano-powder composites

Nanocrystalline 3Y-TZP and copper-oxide powders were prepared by co-precipitation of metal chlorides and copper oxalate precipitation respectively. CuO (0.8 mol%) doped 3Y-TZP powder compacts were prepared from the nanocrystalline powders. Dilatometer measurements on these compacts were performed to investigate the sintering behaviour. Microstructure investigations of the sintered compacts were conducted. It is found that additions of the copper-oxide powders in the nanocrystalline 3Y-TZP leads to an enhancement of densification, formation of monoclinic zirconia phase and significant zirconia grain growth during sintering.