Novel Zirconia–Alumina Nanocomposites Combining High Strength and Toughness

Abstract Alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ) composites, combining a matrix of tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) and an alumina dispersion, are known for their high strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance. Depending on the type of stabilizing oxide in TZP the materials can be tailored to be either extremely strong (Y–TZP) or extremely tough (Ce–TZP) with a considerable cutback in the complementary property. Novel nanocomposite ATZ materials consisting of TZP co‐stabilized by neodymium and yttrium oxide (Nd–Y–TZP) combined with a reinforcement of 0–40 vol% alumina were produced to achieve high bending strength of 1200–1500 MPa at a toughness of 8–12 MPa·√m. TZP was produced by coating monoclinic nanopowder with 1.5 mol% yttria and 1.5 mol% neodymia. The powder was then blended with submicron size alumina and consolidated by hot pressing. Mechanical and microstructural properties were investigated.