Instrumented Micro-indentation of Zirconia Ceramics

Instrumented micro-indentation experiments are conducted with Vickers and spherical indenters in Y-TZP and two different Mg-PSZ ceramics. The load ( P )–depth of penetration ( h ) curves from Vickers indentation can be fitted to P = Ch ⁿ with n ∼ 1.8. It is shown that within the micro-indentation range, measurements of Young's modulus ( E ) can be conducted in zirconia ceramics using sharp indenters, and that the results are consistent with those from spherical indentation. Quantification of piling-up and sinking-in is accomplished from P – h curves. Results from finite element computations are used to assess pressure-sensitivity and plastic-hardening coefficient from indentation experiments.