Abstract
3YSZ + (x) $Al_2O_3$ composites (x = 20, 40, 60, 80 wt%) were fabricated and the influences of particle sizes of $Al_2O_3$ on their microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated with XRD, SEM, vickers hardness and fracture toughness. $Al_2O_3$-3YSZ composites containing $Al_2O_3$ powder of a $0.3{\mu}m$ and an $1.0{\mu}m$, which are here in after named as $Al_2O_3$($0.3{\mu}m$)-3YSZ and $Al_2O_3$($1.0{\mu}m$)-3YSZ, respectively, were made by mixing raw materials, uni-axial pressing and sintering at $1,400^{\circ}C$, $1,500^{\circ}C$, and $1,600^{\circ}C$. $Al_2O_3$($0.3{\mu}m$)-3YSZ composites show the higher density and the better mechanical properties than $Al_2O_3$($1.0{\mu}m$)-3YSZ composites. The Vickers hardness of the $Al_2O_3$($0.3{\mu}m$)-3YSZ composites show a peak value of 1,997 Hv at the content of 60 wt% $Al_2O_3$, which is a slightly higher value in comparison with 1,938 Hv of the $Al_2O_3$($1.0{\mu}m$)-3YSZ composite. However, the fracture toughness of $Al_2O_3$-3YSZ composites monotonically increases with decreasing the content of $Al_2O_3$ without any peak values. $Al_2O_3$($0.3{\mu}m$)-3YSZ and $Al_2O_3$($1.0{\mu}m$)-3YSZ composites sintered at $1,600^{\circ}C$ have a maximum value of a $6.9MPa{\cdot}m^{1/2}$ and a $6.2MPa{\cdot}m^{1/2}$, respectively at the composition of containing 20 wt% $Al_2O_3$. It should be noticed that the mechanical properties and the sintering density of the $Al_2O_3$-3YSZ composites can be enhanced by using more fine $Al_2O_3$ powder due to their denser microstructure and smaller grain size.
