In a partially stabilized zirconia ceramic (ZrO
2-Y
2O
3 solid solution) sintered above 1600°C, a resistance to mechanical stress becomes small when it is kept at a certain low temperature, such as 200°C. The cause of the deterioration of the ceramic was found by bending strength measurement, SEM observation, x-ray analysis and thermal expansion measurement. The results are as follows:
1) The remarkable deterioration of the ceramic occurs especially between 200°C and 300°C.
2) The deterioration is due to the growth of cracks caused by the expansion of its volume, when a tetragonal phase which is metastable at room temperature transforms to a monoclinic phase.
3) The transformation occurs most intensely at about 250°C and progresses from surface to inside of the ceramic.
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