Highly tough and hard zirconia-based composites derived from 3Y-TZP and 12ce-tzp powders by co-doping approach

Due to their superior physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, 3 moles % yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (3Y-TZP) ceramics are used in dental applications. However, the safe usage of 3Y-TZP is constrained in dental applications by low (or moderate) fracture toughness. Therefore, this research aims to enhance the fracture toughness of 3Y-TZP ceramics by adding 12 mole % cerium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (12Ce-TZP) counterparts. Here, specimens were densified by pressureless sintering at 1500-1550?C and 1-2 hours. Relative density (%), Vickers hardness (Hv), indentation fracture toughness (K?c), and flexural strength (s) were measured after sintering. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were carried out to clarify the microstructure. Based on overall results, highly tough and hard-sintered composites with sufficient strength can be effortlessly produced by a co-doping approach from different zirconia powders. Specifically, the 25% Y-TZP/75% Ce-TZP composites @1550?C-1h exhibited Hv: 9.57?0.1 GPa, K?c:18.26?0.1 MPa.m1/2, and s: 421?9.2 MPa values. These data presented herein pave the way for producing tailorable structure-property relationships in various ZrO2 ceramic applications, e.g., dental and cutting tools.