Investigation of the microstructure and nanostructure of partially stabilized zirconia crystals

This paper reports on the results of investigations into the dependence of the structure of partially stabilized zirconia crystals on the composition and technological conditions used for their growth. The zirconia crystals containing from 0 to 4 mol % Y2O3 are grown by directional crystallization in a cold container with the use of direct high-frequency heating. The microstructure and nanostructure of the grown crystals are examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It is established that the formation of the structure depends directly on the composition of the crystals and the conditions of their growth.