The multiple dependence of controllable microstructure and mechanical properties of (AlO1.5)x(NdO1.5)x(CeO2)0.12-1.5x(ZrO2)0.88+x ceramics

A series of (AlO1.5)x(NdO1.5)x(CeO2)0.12-1.5x(ZrO2)0.88+x ceramics with controllable microstructure and mechanical properties are prepared by the solid state method. This paper reports the multicomponent microstructure, residual stress distribution and phase transformation variables of the AlO1.5)x(NdO1.5)x(CeO2)0.12-1.5x(ZrO2)0.88+x ceramics. When the quaternary doping amount is 0.03%, the (AlO1.5)x(NdO1.5)x(CeO2)0.12-1.5x(ZrO2)0.88+x ceramics have excellent comprehensive mechanical properties. With the increase of doping content, the grain size decreases from 2.01 μm to 0.43 μm, and the bending strength reaches 1150 MPa, which is mainly due to the fine grain strengthening mechanism. The increase in hardness is due to the combination of Al2O3 doping and residual compressive stress. Meanwhile, the tetragonal grain size of large particles is more prone to phase transformation under stress, and the grain size is 2.01 μm–1.12 μm, the phase transformation toughening is dominant, and the grain size is less than 1 μm, the influence of phase transformation toughening decreases gradually. Therefore, for TZP ceramics, increasing the tetragonal grain size in a certain range can effectively improve the fracture toughness.