Degradation of yttria-stabilized zirconia in aqueous solutions

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramics have shown susceptibility to degradation at elevated temperatures in aqueous and humid environments. Research conducted in the last few years has failed to conclusively describe the mechanisms which cause the premature transformation of tetragonal phase to monoclinic phase. This research project employs high-surface-area Y-TZP powders in order to study the accelerated kinetics of dissolution and tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation of Y-TZP powder. Presentation will establish correlations between dissolution products and rates with the degradation of Y-TZP powder and Y-TZP ceramics in various aqueous solutions in order to understand the mechanisms which cause the degradation of Y-TZP powders and ceramics