Abstract.
Cordierite/ZrO2 composites with 5 to 25 wt% ZrO2 were fabricated by conventional powder mixing and pressureless sintering method. Their densification behavior, microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties were studied. By dispersing 25 wt% (9.57 vol%) ZrO2, densified cordierite/ZrO2 composite with a relative density of 98.5% was obtained at an optimum sintering condition of 1440 °C and 2 h. ZrO2 particles were homogenously dispersed within matrix grains and at the grain boundaries. The intragranular particles were finer than 100 nm and the intergranular particles were coarser. Both fracture strength and toughness could be enhanced more than two times higher, compare to those of monolithic cordierite, by dispersing 25 wt% ZrO2 into the cordierite matrix. The toughening mechanism in the present composites was mainly attributed to martensitic transformation due to ZrO2 dispersion.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sun, EH., Choa, YH., Sekino, T. et al. Pressureless sintering and characterization of cordierite/ZrO2 composites. Mat Res Innovat 6, 105–111 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10019-002-0195-1
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10019-002-0195-1