The effect of shot peening on the crack propagation and bending strength of zirconia (ZrO2) composites was investigated. Shot peening was carried out on ZrO2 composites using Yttrium stabilized ZrO2 beads. It was found that shot peening could introduce compressive residual stress to the surface of ZrO2 composites. In Z, ZS, and ZST specimens, the shot peening treatment suppressed crack growth caused by the micro-crack introduced to the surface and by the residual stress, while the bending strength of the cracked specimen was improved.

Keywords: ZrO2 composites, Shot peening, Compressive residual stress, Crack growth.