ZIRCONIA–TITANIUM INTERFACE IN CERAMIC BASED COMPOSITE

Abstract

One of the important aspects in the preparation of composite materials is the possibility of reaction between used components. In the case of composite of ZrO₂–Ti system, it could be the reaction between zirconia and titanium particles during sintering process. In this work ZrO₂/Ti interface at 3Y-ZrO₂–10 vol.% Ti composites was analyzed. The composites were prepared by slip casting method. Sintering process was carried out at 1450 °C in the inert atmosphere of argon. The sinters were prepared for SEM and STEM microscope observations by polishing and ion milling. The chemical analysis was conducted by EDS. The bonding between Ti particle and ZrO₂ matrix was continuous. XRD analysis, microscopic observations and chemical analysis showed the limited diffusion between components. The creation of new phases at ZrO₂/Ti interface was not revealed.