In situ zirconia/carbon network composite fabricated by gelcast following reduction-sintering

Abstract

Here, successful fabrication of zirconia/carbon network composite by gelcast and reduction sintering in argon gas is reported. Carbon network well distributed on the grains and the boundaries is confirmed by FE-SEM, TG–DTA, XRD, and, degree of graphitization by Raman spectroscopy. Electrical resistivity of 16.1 Ω-cm indicates that thus formed carbon network in the zirconia matrix is expected to improve the electrical conductivity of the composite system.