Microwave sintering of zirconia ceramics

The potential of a microwave heating technique for the sintering of 3Y-TZP ceramics is demonstrated. High density samples were obtained by short duration firing in a domestic microwave oven. The ultrafine and monomodal size distribution of grains resulting from the process has important implications in terms of mechanical properties. The hardness and fracture toughness values compare very well with long duration, conventionally fired 3Y-TZP ceramics.