Evolution of the phase composition and physicomechanical properties of ZrO2 + 4 mol % Y2O3 ceramics

The evolution of the phase composition and physicomechanical properties of ZrO₂ + 4 mol % Y₂O₃ ceramics subjected to hot isostatic pressing and subsequent calcining in air is investigated. It is found that hot isostatic pressing results in the formation of an easily transformed phase T_et with a degree of tetragonality c/a=1.035, which determines high fracture toughness. After calcining in air, the phase T_et decomposes to form a nontransformed phase T′ with a degree of tetragonality c/a=1.005, which determines low fracture toughness.