Alumina-zirconia composite with titania additions

Titania and a glassy phase were added to the alumina-zirconia composite in order to lower the composite sintering temperature. The composite with the additives was sintered at 1400 and 1450 sup(o)C. Both the mechanical properties and the final microstructure, as well as the sintered behavior were evaluated. The results were compared with those of the plain composite regularly sintered at 1600 sup(o)C. It was shown that it is possible to promote good densification by using lower temperature in the composite with 0,5% TiO sub(2) or for that with 1% of glassy phase made out of one eutectic whose composition is 18% Al sub(2)O sub(3), 62% SiO sub(2), 20% MgO at 1355 sup(o)C. Also, acceptable levels of strength and fracture toughness are potentially possible to be obtained with the additions. (author)