Alumina Toughened Zirconia Nanocomposite Incorporating Al2O3 Whiskers

We investigated the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of an Al2O3(n)+70wt% ZrO2 (TZ-3Y)n nanocomposite with addition of 2.5wt% Al2O3 whiskers. Densities greater than 95% were reached after conventional sintering at 1500 degrees C. The fracture toughness was increased 62% over pure Al2O3. Microcracking and crack deflection can be the mechanisms responsible to improve the fracture toughness. The use of ATZ composites with a low percent of whiskers can be a promising biomedical material for medical and dental applications given its large increase in fracture toughness over pure alumina and the observed relief from aging issues of zirconia.