Tuning of phase content, microstructure and thermal expansion of MgPSZ

MgO partially stabilized zirconia (xMgPSZ, with x = 3-14 mol% MgO) was prepared by a ceramic route, starting from pure metal oxides. 7.5MgPSZ, the focus of this work, was sintered at 1700 degrees C and cooled at various rates (1, 2 or 4 degrees C/min), without or with 1 or 2 intermediate dwells (1400, 1300, and 1000 degrees C), and dwell durations (1-6 h). Customized thermal expansion (TE) data analysis is used to estimate the monoclinic (M) phase content (with discrimination between large and small particles), while powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) provides an accurate cubic (C) phase assessment. With the tetragonal (T) phase content determined from balance to 100%, detailed sets of structural (M, C, T) and microstructural information (M particle size), are grouped in novel radar-type charts. Original benchmarking exercises using literature data on up thermal shock resistance and the charac-teristics of a commercial MgPSZ, provide unique insights on the thermal performance of these materials, and property tuning rationale.

Automated summary

MgO partially stabilized zirconia (xMgPSZ) was prepared using a ceramic route starting from pure metal oxides. The focus was on 7.5MgPSZ, which was sintered at 1700 degrees C and cooled at different rates, with or without intermediate dwells at various temperatures and durations. Customized thermal expansion data analysis and powder X-ray diffraction were used to determine the phase content. Novel radar-type charts were created to group the structural and microstructural information. Original benchmarking exercises with literature data provided insights on the thermal performance and property tuning rationale of these materials.