Phase Formation and Stabilization Behavior of Ca-PSZ by Post-Heat Treatment

The phase formation and stabilization behaviors of calcia partially stabilized zirconia (Ca-PSZ) were investigated with regard to the CaO content and post-heat treatment. Sintered specimens were prepared by adding 2, 3, 4, and 5 mol% to CaO to ZrO2, and post-heat treatment were conducted. In the X-ray diffraction pattern, the monoclinic peak decreased, the tetragonal peak increased upon CaO doping, and no CaZrO3 peak was observed. Transmission electron microscopy images of the Ca-PSZ showed that the d-spacing of 4CSZ (200)m extended from 0.260 nm to 0.266 nm subsequent to post-heat treatment. The coefficient of thermal expansion gradually increased in accordance with the dopant concentration, in addition, it increased even after the post-heat treatment. These results are related to the increase in tetragonal phase, which has a relatively higher coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the monoclinc phase. According to the Vickers hardness measurement, the hardness of all specimens increased gradually as the concentration of CaO increased, and the hardness of the 5CSZ was improved from 676 to 774 Hv by the post-heat treatment.