Microwave sintering of alumina matrix zirconia composites using a single-mode microwave cavity

The density and microstructure of alumina/10 wt% zirconia specimens sintered in a single-mode microwave cavity were compared with those sintered using conventional radiant heating. X ray diffraction was used to determine the phases that were present in the final microwave sintered alumina-matrix/zirconia specimen. XRD pattern for the zirconia powder used to fabricate powder compacts matched patterns for monoclinic zirconia. XRD pattern for sintered specimen Al/Zr-1 indicated the presence of both the monoclinic phase and the tetragonal phase of zirconia. The densification of alumina/zirconia composites was altered by microwave heating, compared to radiant heating.