Effect of Nb2O5 on sintering and mechanical properties of ceria stabilized zirconia

Effects of Nb(2)O(5 )addition to Ceria Stabilized Zirconia (CSZ) matrix within its solubility limit on sinterability and mechanical properties (hardness and toughness) were investigated in this study. Sintered density and microstructure were correlated with hardness and fracture toughness. CSZ powders were prepared from nitrate salts of zirconia and ceria using co-precipitation method. Various amounts of Nb2O5 (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mol.%) powder were added to CSZ. The powders were compacted uniaxially and sintered in pressureless condition. Developed phases were identified using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique and quantified using Rietveld method. Microstructures were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Vickers hardness tester was used to find hardness and indentation fracture toughness of sintered samples. It was observed that addition of Nb2O5 improved sinterability with finer microstructure and near full density. 1 mol.% Nb(2)O(5 )doped CSZ (1NbCSZ) showed Vickers hardness value up to 1047 HV2 coupled with indentation fracture toughness value up to 6 M Pa M(1/2 )based on sintering schedule. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.