THE EFFECTS OF COPPER AND IRON-OXIDE ADDITIONS ON THE SINTERING AND PROPERTIES OF Y-TZP

Yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) with a range of yttria contents were prepared from powders neutralized during processing with ammonium hydroxide and sintered at temperatures of 1300-1700 degrees C. Iron or copper oxide was added and studies made of body characteristics, mechanical properties and ageing resistance. Densification was aided by higher yttria concentrations. The effects of the oxide additives were dependent on amounts present and sintering conditions, including ramp rates and holding temperatures. Ageing resistance was significantly improved for both oxide additions fired to lower temperatures but rapid transformation to monoclinic phase was observed for materials with larger grain sizes associated with higher sintering temperatures.