Synthesis and properties of the composite ceramics from nanocrystalline Al2O3-30% Y0.1Zr0.9O2 prepared from a water-alcohol solution

The hydrogel of the mixed oxide Al₂O₃-30% Y_0.1Zr_0.9O₂ was prepared by precipitation of ammonia from a water-alcohol mixture (1 : 5). The Al₂O₃-30% Y_0.1Zr_0.9O₂ compound thus synthesized was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and the BET adsorption method. The obtained sample consisted of spherical particles with an average size of 16–20 nm and a specific surface area of 167 m²/g. The Al₂O₃-30% Y_0.1Zr_0.9O₂ powder was pressed at 300 MPa and then calcinated at 1600°C for 2 h in air. The topographic and structural features of the prepared ceramics were determined using atomic force microscopy and X-ray electron probe microanalysis. The porosity, the Vickers microhardness, and the tensile strength were determined by mercury porometry.