Author(s)

L. Gómez & E. Ayllon

Abstract

In the 1950s, with the appearance of oxide ceramics (Al203, ZrO2, BeO, MgO), ceramic materials started to arouse researchers’ interest. In 1975 Garvie and et al. originated a new family of ceramics based on the addition of zirconium oxide. In this work the mechanical properties and the penetration of a ballistic impact zirconia and alumina were studied from the tiles obtained by the sinterization of alumina and zirconia partially stabilized with Y2O3 (Y-PSZ). Several compositions were processed, always predominating, in volume, a matrix of alumina. Beside impact experiences, mechanical properties were also evaluated. The outcomes were analysed, comparing them against alumina formulae without the addition of zirconia. Keywords: zirconia, alumina, mechanical properties, dynamic charges. 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction to ceramic materials Ceramic materials have two important characteristics: they are generally harder, more resistant and lighter than metals and are capable of keeping a high resistance to deformation at high temperatures. However, the potential applications of ceramic materials such as alumina are conditioned by their fragility, which brings about sudden catastrophic fractures and a low resistance to thermal shock; which is why some authors have suggested the use of ZrO2 as a strengthening material [1]. For the ZrO2 to act as strengthening element it must appear in its tetragonal crystallographic structure since it has been documented

Keywords

zirconia, alumina, mechanical properties, dynamic charges.