Synthesis, Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Alumina-Zirconia Nanocomposite Particles

Abstract

Ceramic nanocomposites have attracted a great interest of recent researchers due to its excellent attributes suitable for industrial applications such as tool engineering. In this study alumina-zirconia (Al 2 O 3-ZrO 2) nanocomposite particles are prepared by sol-gel synthesis route and mechanical properties are determined using Halpin-Tsai approach. SEM and TEM images clearly indicate the nanosize of composite particles and dispersion of ZrO 2 in Al 2 O 3 matrix. The results of micrographs are in close agreement with FTIR and XRD spectra. The microstructural modification in the precursor to form the nanocomposite ceramic is suggested in the detailed discussion. A MATLAB script is written to evaluate the physical and mechanical characteristics and it is predicted that tensile strength, flexural strength and Poisson's ratio of alumina can be enhanced excellently with reinforcement of zirconia. However hardness, elastic and shear modulii can decrease proportionately.