Impedance Spectroscopy Investigation on the Low-Temperature Degradation of Tetragonal Zirconia: Influence of Measurement Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACTImpedance spectroscopy has been used for the characterization the low-temperature degradation of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals in a non-destructive assay. Superficial transformations resulting from annealing in air lead to the appearance of an extra relaxation in the impedance spectra which evolves with degradation extent. It has been demonstrated that in situ electrical characterization cannot be performed because the electrode layers retard the degradation phenomenon. The ideal temperature/time condition to record spectra is also discussed.