Oxidation Behaviour of Zirconia-Sialon Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn yttria densified ZrO2-sialon composites, an increase in β′:O′-sialon ratio results in a structural change in the zirconia phase because an increasing amount of nitrogen dissolves in the zirconia structure as the overall composition becomes increasingly nitrogen rich. Both ZrN and nitrogen-containing zirconia (N-ZrO2) are observed in the β′-ZrO2 composite and these phases show a poor oxidation performance above 600°C. However, the introduction of small amounts of O′ phase into the β′-ZrO2 composite has provided an effective oxygen-rich barrier to reduce the diffusion rate of nitrogen in zirconia and therefore O′-β′-ZrO2 composites showed superior oxidation resistance compared with β′-ZrO2 materials at temperatures between 600 and 1200°C.