Novel 1:1 Yttria partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) - aluminum borate (AB:
Al11B4O33) ceramic composites were prepared and characterized by a simple
direct sintering process of PSZ-mixtures. Sintering was performed below
1300?C to minimize the decomposition of borate. Phases were corroborated by
XRD. SEM permitted to characterize the microstructure as interlocking
needles of - rounded by PSZ grains. Porous microstructure configuration
was achieved by the proposed processing route. Porosity was within 30% for
samples thermally treated at 1200 and 1300?C. Mechanical behavior was
evaluated by diametral compression. A fragile behavior was observed. Both
strength and apparent Young modulus were evaluated being ?30 MPa and ?3 GPa
respectively; values four times higher than the corresponding alumina-AB
composite. This is more important when firing at higher temperature. The
density of the obtained composites coupled with the mechanical behavior are
the main characteristics of this novel composite with potential structural,
insulating and filtering applications.