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Centrifugal gelcasting technology was used to prepare gradient ZrO2/HA composites. The effects of solid contents and ZrO2 contents on slurries viscosity were studied. The greasing process of ZrO2/HA slurries was observed. The effects of centrifugal slip casting parameters on green density difference of ZrO2/HA samples were analyzed. The microstructure of the sintered products was observed and the mechanical properties of gradient ZrO2/HA composites were measured. The results show that the viscosity of ZrO2/HA slurries with 40wt% solid content and 15wt% ZrO2 is 223.5 mPa • s, showing good dispersion of slurries. When the catalyst content is 1.5wt% and the initiator content is 0.6wt%, the gelcasting process of ZrO2/HA slurries meets with centrifugal process. The green compacts centrifuged at 1 500 r/m form good gradient distribution of green density. SEM observation shows that the top, middle and bottom of the compacts sintered at 1 200 °C for 2 h have good gradient distribution of ZrO2 phase. The bending strength and fracture toughness of gradient ZrO2/HA composites with 15wt% ZrO2 come to the maximum of 84.2 MPa and 1.76 MPa • m1/2, which an 159.8% and 117.2% more than those of HA matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]