A study of high-temperature deformation characteristics of sol-gel synthesized P/M zirconia

This paper reports on studies of the gel synthesis, powder consolidation, and deformation processing of yttria-partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ) that were conducted. A series of Y-PSZ gels were prepared by the hydrolysis of zirconium tetrachloride and yttrium chloride hexahydrate. Acidity and turbulence were critical preparation parameters in obtaining loose networks of extremely fine particles (∼10 nm). These powders were characterized both in the as-prepared gel form and after heat-treatments, X-ray diffraction and analytical electron microscopy were employed. Powder consolidated tensile specimens were prepared. The effects of time, temperature and pressure were studied and manipulated to obtain suitable sintered specimens. Final particle sizes were in the range of 100-500 nm. The specimens were tested in tension at room temperature and at elevated temperatures (1473K--1673 K). The deformation behaviors were analyzed with respect to initial microstructure and testing temperatures