Development and evaluation of Al2O3-ZrO2 composite processed by digital light 3D printing

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a promising approach to fabricate delicate ceramic components with high-fidelity structural features. In this work, the alumina and zirconia/alumina ceramic suspensions with low viscosity and high solid loading (40 vol%) were prepared specifically for DLP 3D printing. After debinding and sintering, the final parts were obtained without any defects. The surface morphologies and mechanical properties of alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) composites were investigated and the results showed that the final parts exhibited high relative densities and good interlayer combination at the sintering temperature of 1600 degrees C. Comparing with the Al2O3, the ZTA composites exhibited significantly enhanced density (99.4%), bending strength (516.7 MPa) and indentation fracture toughness (7.76 MPa m(1/2)).