The microstructure and mechanical properties of zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic added with niobia (Nb2O5) through cold isostatic pressing (CIP) method was investigated. The amount of Nb2O5 is varied from 0 wt.% to 7 wt.%. The phase composition of the sintered bodies was analyzed with an x-ray diffractometer, while their microstructure was observed with a scanning electron microscope. It is found that up to 3 wt.% of Nb2O5 addition, the secondary phase of Nb2Zr6O17 presence as square shape particles confirm by SEM and EDX. The addition of 3 wt.% showed the highest Vickers hardness value with 1600HV. It was observed that, further addition of Nb2O5 (> 3 wt.% ) deteriorates the Vickers hardness of ZTA. While the fracture toughness value increased at 3 wt.% until 5 wt.% of Nb2O5 addition (6.71 MPa · √m and 6.80 MPa · √m respectively). It was also found that the value for bulk density increased and porosity decreased with the increasing of Nb2O5 addition.
HIGHLY ACCURATE INTERFACE CAPTURING USING A PARTICLE CIP METHOD
