Bonding of stabilised zirconia (Y-TZP) by means of nano Y-TZP particles

A technique has been developed for bonding conventionally produced plates of yttria stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) to one another by using nano-sized particles of the same chemical composition as an interlayer. The latter was in the form of a disc partially pre-consolidated at elevated temperature. Bonding was performed under carefully controlled conditions of hot pressing. Sound bonds were obtained as determined by ultrasonic examination and bend tests. The temperatures used for bonding were perhaps up to 400°C less than would have been required for powder of conventional size (several μm). The bonds obtained should have the additional advantages of preserving the physical and corrosion-resistant properties of the plates being joined. The technique should be applicable to a wide range of oxides, non-oxide ceramics, intermetallic and inorganic compounds.