Effect of nanodispersed zirconium dioxide on the consolidation and properties of a zircon-based ceramic

Electron microscopy and thermomechanical analysis are used to study how introducing nanodispersed ZrO2 powder stabilized with Y2O3 into a zircon-based composite affects the production and properties of the composite. It was established that the introduction of more than 1 mass %of nanodispersed ZrO2 slows the consolidation of the zircon matrix during sintering. Sintering a zircon-based composite with 15 mass % ZrO2 by the regime that was developed in the study makes it possible to reduce the porosity of the material and significantly increase its ultimate compressive strength. It was also determined that nanodispersed particles of ZrO2 react with SiO2 formed during thermal dissociation of the zircon to form zircon of nonstoichiometric composition.