Abstract
Sinterable alumina (Al2O3)/zirconia (ZrO2) nano-composite powders were prepared by following simple processes, mixing an aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate and a zirconia sol, drying to the mixture of anhydrous aluminum sulfate and zirconia, and thermally decomposing mother salts. After thermal decomposition the added zirconia particles dispersed in matrices of primary particles of the η-alumina maintaining the same shape as prepared. The η→α phase transformation of the alumina accelerated with increasing zirconia content. The relative density of the body fired at 1600°C for 1 h attained more than 98 %. On the contrary, when the composite powders were prepared from Al2(SO4)3-Zr(SO4)2 solid solution, the bulk density was limited less than 84%.
