Method of toughening alumina
AssigneeSuperior Technical Ceramics Corporation
InventorsTariq Quadir, Brian H. Gold
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Abstract
The present application is directed to a zirconia toughened alumina body and process for making the body. The process involves combining tetragonally stabilized ZrO2 nanoparticles, Mg(OH)2 particles and alumina powder into a mixture. All particles of the mixture are milled, formed into a green compact and then sintered. The final composition of the body includes α-Al2O3 toughened with 0.5 to 2.5 weight percent ZrO2 in a stabilized tetragonal form and 0.03 to 0.10 weight percent MgO. The composition results in an Al2O3 body with a density less than 4.0 g/cc and strength greater than 50 kpsi.
Claims7
A method of fabricating a ceramic, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing (i) crystalline α-Al2O3 particles, (ii) 0.5-2.5 percent by weight crystalline ZrO2 particles less than 0.1-microns and stabilized substantially in the tetragonal crystal structure, and (iii) 0.03-0.10 percent MgO by weight as Mg(OH)2 particles;
- b) combining and milling all particles;
- c) forming a green compact;
- and
- d) sintering said green compact in a temperature range of 1637° C.-1660° C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.