Low-Temperature Sintering of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Produced by Amorphous Powders

Abstract

Low-temperature sintering of tetragonal zirconia solid solution proceeds through the fracture of all agglomerates resulting from pressing of samples from hydroxide powder produced by coprecipitation from an aqueous solution and through the increased reaction activity of amorphous zirconium hydroxide and oxide. Thermal treatment at 1100 ºС for 1 h produces ceramic material with relative density 0.928, grain size 120–135 nm, and pore size 50–75 nm. Sintering is most intensive in the temperature range 950–1150 ºС is less active in the range 800– 950 ºС.