Temperature dependence of anelastic behavior in 3Y-TZP ceramics

The unique anelastic behavior in 3Y-TZP has been observed under several temperatures in the range 77-353 K. By employing an elastic strain subtractor and in-situ XRD technique, we found that the anelastic deformation of 3Y-TZP occurred more easily at an elevated temperature, whereas this anelastic behavior disappears dramatically at 77 K, and that the anelastic strain was not induced by the t --> m phase transformation. In the cyclic loadings, the stress versus anelastic strain hysteresis loops were also measured at each temperature. From the shape change of these loops. the possible mechanisms of anelastic deformation of 3Y-TZP were explored. Furthermore, the cyclic softening was observed at every temperature although it was not strong at the lower temperature. The rupture strengths of this material at different temperatures were investigated as well. It was found that the rupture strength of 3Y-TZP non-crack sample was obviously higher in the lower temperature range than in the higher temperature range. However, in pre-cracked samples, the strength reduction observed in the non-crack sample at higher temperatures could be remedied to some extent due to the mechanism related to anelastic behavior. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.