Zirconia matrix tungsten carbide particulate composites manufactured by hot-pressing technique

Zirconia matrix composites with tungsten carbide inclusions were obtained by hot pressing at 1400 degrees C for 40 min. The carbide particle content was changed from 10 to 50 vol.%. All the samples achieved densities higher than 98% of the theoretical value. Elastic properties were measured by ultrasonic methods. Hardness and fracture toughness were estimated by Vickers indentation technique. The microstructure of the composites was determined by TEM observations. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.