Influence of Nb_2O_5 on the Mechanical Performances and Toughening Mechanism of ZrO_2 in ZTM-Al_2O_3

The paper discussed the influence of Nb2O5 on the mechanical properties of ZTM Al2O3 and the toughening mechanisms of ZrO2 in the material. The results show that Nb2O5 can remarkably increase the m-ZrO2 content in the ceramics while decreasing the t-ZrO2 content, The mechanical properties can be greatly improved by Nb2O5 addition, and the square of the toughness is in proportion to m-ZrO2 content. Microcrack toughening enhanced by increasing m-ZrO2 content is the main factor contributing to the improvement of the properties.