A novel approach to improve flexural strength of Al 2 O 3 ‐20 wt% ZrO 2 composites by oscillatory pressure sintering

Abstract In this communication, Al 2 O 3 ‐20 wt% ZrO 2 composites ( ZTA ) were prepared by a novel oscillatory pressure sintering ( OPS ) process. An almost perfectly full density of 99.94% and a relatively high flexural strength of 1145 MP a can be achieved for the OPS ‐fabricated specimen, which were higher than those prepared by pressureless sintering (98.24% and 682 MP a) and hot pressing (99.53% and 990 MP a). The enhancement of flexural strength of the OPS ‐fabricated specimen was correlated with its smaller flaw size and higher fracture surface energy. It was suggested that OPS was an effective approach to fabricate ZTA composites with ultrahigh density and high strength.