Microwave sintering of yttria-containing tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics

Abstract

Sintering of yttria-containing tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics was performed in a single-mode cylindrical cavity applicator CMPR-250 operating at 2·45 GHz in the TM012 mode. High heating rates at low power levels were achieved. Rapid heating and cooling resulted in a fine-grain microstructure. High-purity submicron Y-TZP powders were sintered from an initial green density of 60% to final sintered density close to the theoretical density. Microwave sintering offers potential for improving microstructural properties through controlled development of uniform microstructure. © 1994 the Indian Academy of Sciences.