Zirconia toughened alumina for wear resistant engineering and machinability of steel application

摘要

The present paper illustrates synthesis of Y_2O_3 based partially stabilised zirconia by evaporative decomposition of solution (EDS) and a-alumina by wet chemical precipitation for making zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramics by a powder metallurgy process route. The ZTA sintered product has been characterised for use in cutting tool inserts as well as for other wear resistant engineering properties. The stress induced transformation toughening of ZTA ceramic is experimentally observed during machining of steel, and the effects of crater and flank wear on machining of steels has been investigated. Hardness and fracture toughness have been correlated to improve machinability (steel cutting efficiency) and wear resistance for other engineering applications.