Formation of plate-like lanthanum-β-Aluminate crystal in Ce-TZP matrix

Abstract

The reaction route and morphology of lanthanum-β-aluminate (LBA) crystals formed in Ce-TZP matrix were studied by examining the crystal phase changes and the microstructures in relation to the heat-treatment time, heat-treatment temperatures and the particle size of raw Al₂O₃ powders. In the Ce-TZP matrix, the LBA crystal was formed by the reaction between La₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ through the LaAlO₃ phase as the intermediate. La₂Zr₂O₇ forms at 800 °C and remains in the temperature range 800–1500 °C, and LaAlO₃ forms between 1200 and 1400 °C. The LaAlO₃ reacts with Al₂O₃ to form LBA above 1500 °C. The diffusion of La³⁺ through the La₂Zr₂O₇ phase was faster than that of Al³⁺. The morphology of LBA crystals was dependent on the particle size of the starting raw Al₂O₃ particle. When submicrometre size Al₂O₃ (0.4μm) particles were used as the starting particles, anisotropic, plate-like LBA crystals, about 10μm long, were formed during heat treatments. On the other hand, Al₂O₃ of larger grain sizes (3.6, 10.3μm) yield conglomerates of LBA crystals. The size of the conglomerates is similar to that of the raw Al₂O₃ particle. The dependence of the morphology of LBA on the particle size of Al₂O₃ can be attributable to the sintering process of the Ce-TZP matrix, leading to the control of the mechanical properties of Ce-TZP ceramics with LBA crystals.