Densification behavior of Y-TZP containing zirconium diboride composites

In the present study, the densification behavior of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia containing zirconium diboride (up to 50 wt%) composites was prepared by a pressureless sintering method in an argon atmosphere over the temperature range of 1350-1550 degrees C for one hour holding time were investigated. The influences of zirconium diboride additions in the zirconia matrix, as well as the sintering temperature, on the densification, phase stability and mechanical properties of sintered samples have been studied. The results showed that the tetragonal phase stability of the zirconia was affected by the addition of zirconium diboride, with large amounts of the monoclinic phase formed after sintering. This in turn has resulted in a decline in the relative density of the sintered samples and mechanical properties.