The microstructure and mechanical properties of zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic added with niobia (Nb2O5) through cold isostatic pressing (CIP) method was investigated. The amount of Nb2O5 is varied from 0 wt.% to 7 wt.%. The phase composition of the sintered bodies was analyzed with an x-ray diffractometer, while their microstructure was observed with a scanning electron microscope. It is found that up to 3 wt.% of Nb2O5 addition, the secondary phase of Nb2Zr6O17 presence as square shape particles confirm by SEM and EDX. The addition of 3 wt.% showed the highest Vickers hardness value with 1600HV. It was observed that, further addition of Nb2O5 (> 3 wt.% ) deteriorates the Vickers hardness of ZTA. While the fracture toughness value increased at 3 wt.% until 5 wt.% of Nb2O5 addition (6.71 MPa · √m and 6.80 MPa · √m respectively). It was also found that the value for bulk density increased and porosity decreased with the increasing of Nb2O5 addition.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.