Changes in mechanical strength of β-alumina ceramics on ion exchange

Abstract

We have already reported changes in strength of barium titanate/zirconia composite on polarization treatment. Bending strength of this composite increased on longitudinal poling and decreased on transverse one. However, the strength change ratio was less than 15%. In the present study, we prepared sodium β-alumina ceramics and evaluated the change in mechanical properties on ion exchange of Na⁺ for K⁺. Vickers hardness increased with ion-exchange time up to 30 min, then gradually decreased.