Sinter-Forging Characteristics of fine-Grained Zirconia

Powder preforms of zirconia, containing 2.85 mol% yttria, were sinter-forged in simple uniaxial compression at 1400°C by applying constant displacement rates to the specimens. Shear and densification strains and the uniaxial stress were measured as a function of time. In contrast with alumina and silicon nitride, zirconia appears to densify by a dislocation mechanism. As a consequence, the densification rate is linked to the applied strain rather than to the applied hydrostatic pressure; the powder compact requires a critical amount of compressive strain to consolidate to full density, irrespective of the strain rate or the stress at which that strain is applied.