Fabrication of dense nanocrystalline ZrO2−3 wt. % Y2O3 by hot-isostatic pressing

Amorphous to nanocrystalline ZrO2−3 wt. % Y2O3 powders were formed by chemical precipitation from mixed nitrate salt solutions. The powders were cold pressed and presintered in air for 2 to 6 h within the temperature range of 1100 °C and 1300 °C. Hot isostatic pressing was performed for 2 to 3 h within the temperature range of 1150 °C to 1350 °C in argon pressure of 150 MPa. Fully dense pellets with grain size of 22 nm to 45 nm were formed by application of low presintering temperatures.