Influence of Y2O3 Content and Sintering Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of YSZ Ceramics

This study investigates the influence of Y2O3 content and sintering temperature on the microstructure, phase composition, and physico-mechanical properties of zirconia-based ceramics with Al2O3 addition. It was shown that varying the stabilizer content within 3.0–6.0 wt.% Y2O3 leads to observable changes in the phase composition and grain size, as well as affecting the density and microhardness of the material. The sintering conditions ensuring the required density and homogeneous microstructure at moderate temperatures were determined. This research is aimed at optimizing synthesis and heat treatment parameters to produce a dense material with minimal porosity and stable mechanical characteristics. The samples were shaped by uniaxial pressing and sintered in the temperature range of 1530–1570 °C. The structure and phase composition were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, while the physico-mechanical properties were evaluated by measuring apparent density, porosity, and microhardness. The sintering temperature of 1550 °C was identified as optimal for achieving the highest performance characteristics while maintaining structural homogeneity. The addition of Al2O3 contributes to a reduction in the sintering temperature without compromising the material’s properties.