Microstructure and phase composition of ZrO2-CeO2-Al2O3 materials modified with MgO and Y2O3

This paper presents our findings on phase formation processes during heat treatment of sol-gel synthesis products with the composition (mol %) 65(88ZrO₂ + 12CeO₂) + 35Al₂O₃ modified with 1 mol % MgO or Y₂O₃. The composites modified with 1 mol % MgO have been shown to differ significantly in phase composition from the parent nanopowders. Sintering is accompanied by partial decomposition of the tetragonal zirconia (T-ZrO₂) based solid solution and the formation of a monoclinic zirconia (M-ZrO₂) based solid solution and two aluminum-containing phases: corundum and the mixed oxide MgAl₁₁CeO₁₉. The addition of 1 mol % Y₂O₃ leads to successive formation of T-ZrO₂ and corundum and improvement of their structural perfection. The observed differences in phase formation during heat treatment result in different grain size compositions in the microstructure of the composites.