Dilatometric inspection of phase changes in Mg-PSZ

Partially Stabilized Zirconia samples with 7, 8 and 9 mol% MgO (Mg PSZ) were sintered at 1700 degrees C for 2 h and cooled to room temperature (2 degrees C.min(-1)), to obtain distinct phase compositions and microstructures. These materials were studied by dilatometry (DIL) up to about 1500 degrees C (heating rate of 10 degrees C.min(-1)). A detailed analysis of DIL curves is used to estimate the initial M (monoclinic) phase content and quantify the progressive conversion M -> T (tetragonal) as a function of temperature. Microstructures observed by scanning electron mi- croscopy and phase content estimates from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of sintered samples and milled powders, are used to show the consistency of the DIL data analysis. Furthermore, combination of room temperature XRD and DIL data yields unique and comprehensive details on the microstructural and phase content changes with temperature (all phases, M, T and C-cubic), hardly obtained in any other manner.

Automated summary

By studying partially stabilized zirconia samples, the changes in phase composition and microstructure at different temperatures can be analyzed using dilatometry. The consistency of the dilatometry data analysis is verified through observations by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The combination of room temperature XRD and dilatometry data provides comprehensive information about the changes in microstructure and phase content with temperature.