The effects of shot peening (SP) on the Vickers hardness of ZrO2 were studied. The size of the shot was pinned using φ180 μm and φ300 μm. Vickers hardness was measured for indentation loads of 98 N and 294 N. The effects of Vickers hardness was evaluated according to the ball size and the indentation load by performing a Weibull statistical analysis. The scale parameters were significantly affected with an indentation load of 98 N and a shot size of φ180 μm. Generally, the shape parameters were also significantly affected in the small short ball (180sp). Thus, the introduction of a compressive residual stress by SP is an effective technique for increasing the mechanical properties of ZrO2

Keywords: ZrO2 ceramic, Weibull statistical analysis, Vickers hardness, Shot peening, Ball size