Zirconium oxide and the crystallinity hallows

Zirconium oxide is one of the most promising ceramic materials as it finds applications in several high-level technological fields, ranging from biomedicine to sensing. Zirconium oxide is characterized by showing very uncommon properties for being a ceramic substrate, such as a certain plastic behavior once subjected to mechanical stress, a naturally occurring phase transformation toughening, as well as a dramatic sensibility toward water-induced aging (if hydrothermally treated). In general, all these properties are strictly correlated with the tetragonal-to-monoclinic interphase transformation and, consequently, driven by the stabilization of the tetragonal phase. Hence, in this study, a summary of the main relevant principles guiding zirconium oxide interphase transformations is proposed, highlighting the important role of stabilizers and the correlation between microstructure and doping. A particular emphasis has been dedicated to the thermodynamics behind these phenomena.

Automated summary

The study summarizes the main principles guiding zirconium oxide interphase transformations, emphasizing the important role of stabilizers and the correlation between microstructure and doping. Special emphasis is placed on the thermodynamics behind these phenomena.