Enhanced properties of nanostructured ZrO2–graphene composites rapidly sintered via high-frequency induction heating. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwon, So-Mang; Lee, Seok-Jae; Shon, In-Jin
• Is Part Of: Ceramics international. Volume 41:Issue 1(2015)Part A
• Page Start: 835
• Page End: 842
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: A. Sintering -- B. Hardness -- C. Fracture toughness -- D. Graphene -- E. Nano-materials; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Céramique industrielle -- Périodiques; Ceramics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2014.08.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-8842

Abstract

Abstract: ZrO2 ceramics possess excellent properties, including high biocompatibility, low density, and good corrosion resistance, and they are commonly used in hip and knee joint replacements. However these materials have a low fracture toughness, which limits their applicability to a wider range of uses. One of the most common techniques used to improve the mechanical properties has been to add a reinforcing agent to the ZrO2 ceramic in order to form nanostructured composite materials. High-frequency induction-heated sintering (HFIHS), for example, can be used to introduce graphene as a reinforcing agent in order to create composite ZrO2 ceramics. In this study, high-density ZrO2 –graphene composites were obtained via HFIHS for 2 min at a pressure of 80 MPa. The rapid consolidation retained the nano-scale structure of the ceramic by inhibiting grain growth. The ZrO2 -graphene composite presented improved fracture toughness and electrical conductivity while significantly reducing the grain size.