The effect of nano-TiO2 addition on the properties of mullite-zirconia composites prepared by slip casting

The mullite-zirconia composites were prepared by reaction-sintering of alumina and zircon powder. Besides, the slip casting method was employed for fabrication of these composites. Then, the effect of nano-TiO2 addition on the properties of these composites was investigated and the results were compared with micro-sized TiO2. Hence, the physical properties, phase composition, flexural strength and microstructure of these composites after firing at 1600?C were studied. The results showed that the flexural strength of composite tends to increase with the addition of 0.5 wt.% nano-TiO2. It is attributed to the formation of larger size rod-like ZrO2 and enhanced ceramic bonding between them.