This study focuses on the wear and related mechanical properties of zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) composites with 4.7- 30 vol% yttria doped-TZP (YTZP) particulates. A colloidal process was used to achieve a homogeneous distribution of fine TZP grains in an alumina matrix. Mechanical properties, flexural strength, hardness, fracture toughness, and contact wear were measured. Quantified microstructures by SEM are also reported. A wear-resistant ZTA with a low-zirconia content (< 5%) was obtained by improvements in microstructural homogeneity and optimization.

Keywords: ceramics, composites, colloid process, wear, mechanical properties.