GRAIN-GROWTH IN 2-PHASE CERAMICS - AL2O3 INCLUSIONS IN ZRO2

The effect of Al//2O//3 inclusions with a greater average size than the average particle size of the major phase powder on grain growth was examined by sintering ZrO//2/Al//2O//3 composites at 1400 degree C and then heat-treating at temperatures up to 1700 degree C. Normal grain growth was observed for all conditions. The inclusions appeared to have no effect on grain growth until the ZrO//2 grain size was approx. 1. 5 times the average inclusion size. Grain growth inhibition increased with volume fraction of the Al//2O//3 inclusion phase.