The latest technological requirement demands a huge (but sometimes challenging) variety of properties which perhaps are impossible in monolithic or traditional materials. This has innovated the introduction of reinforcement in traditional materials such that the resulting composite material would be an advantage for the collaborating influence of the combined matrix and the reinforcement. Single-phase ceramics have been limited in application due to low densification and poor properties. Hence, ceramic matrix composite is the family of materials that have undertaken quick innovation in past years because of its auspicious properties for structural and functional usage. This concept has made the incorporation of sintering additives into the monolithic form of ZrO2 of high importance because of the poor densification and fracture toughness of undoped ZrO2. The addition of sintering additives provides good functionality to the improvement of ceramic materials. This paper painstakingly reviews the effects of diverse sintering additives such as carbides, borides, nitrides on the microstructure, densification, and mechanical properties of ZrO2 ceramic matrix using different sintering techniques and it lastly stated a futuristic approach to the enhancement and characterisation needed for ZrO2 ceramic matrix composites.
BangchaoY, JiawenJ, YicanZ.Spark-plasma sintering the 8-mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte. J Mater Sci. 2004;39:6863–6865.
2.
PatilDS, PrabhakaranK, DurgaprasadC, Synthesis of nanocrystalline 8mol% yttria stabilized zirconia by the oleate complex route. Ceram Int. 2009;35:515–519.
3.
OsikoVV, BorikMA, LomonovaEE.Synthesis of refractory materials by skull melting technique. In: Springer handbook of crystal growth. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer; 2010. p. 433–477.
4.
MiuraN, JinH, WamaR, Novel solid-state manganese oxide-based reference electrode for YSZ-based oxygen sensors. Sens Actuators B. 2011;152:261–266.
5.
GarbayoI, TarancónA, SantisoJ, Electrical characterization of thermomechanically stable YSZ membranes for micro solid oxide fuel cells applications. Solid State Ionics. 2010;181:322–331.
6.
KubrinR, do RosarioJJ, LeeHS, Vertical convective coassembly of refractory YSZ inverse opals from crystalline nanoparticles. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2013;5:13146–13152.
7.
PlattA, FrankelP, GassM, Finite element analysis of the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation during oxidation of zirconium alloys. J Nucl Mater. 2014;454:290–297.
8.
PlattP, PolatidisE, FrankelP, A study into stress relaxation in oxides formed on zirconium alloys. J Nucl Mater. 2015;456:415–425.
9.
PlattP, FrankelP, GassM, Critical assessment of finite element analysis applied to metal–oxide interface roughness in oxidising zirconium alloys. J Nucl Mater. 2015;464:313–319.
10.
GioncoC, PaganiniMC, GiamelloE, Cerium-doped zirconium dioxide, a visible-light-sensitive photoactive material of third generation. J Phys Chem Lett. 2014;5:447–451.
11.
VythilingumV. Zirconia nanocomposites for biomedical applications; 2012.
12.
ChraskaT, KingAH, BerndtCC.On the size-dependent phase transformation in nanoparticulate zirconia. Mater Sci Eng A. 2000;286:169–178.
13.
JiangD, Van der BiestO, VleugelsJ.Zro2–WC nanocomposites with superior properties. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2007;27:1247–1251.
14.
BasuB, VleugelsJ, Van der BiestO.Processing and mechanical properties of ZrO2–TiB2 composites. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2005;25:3629–3637.
15.
BonnyK, De BaetsP, VleugelsJ, Influence of electrical discharge machining on tribological behavior of ZrO2–TiN composites. Wear. 2008;265:1884–1892.
16.
PanthiD, HedayatN, DuY.Densification behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia powders for solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes. J Adv Ceram. 2018;7:325–335.
17.
Gutiérrez-GonzálezCF, SuárezM, PozhidaevS, Effect of TiC addition on the mechanical behaviour of Al2O3 –SiC whiskers composites obtained by SPS. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2016;36:2149–2152.
18.
ZhongJ, ChenD, PengY, A review on nanostructured glass ceramics for promising application in optical thermometry. J Alloys Compd. 2018;763:34–48.
19.
SuárezM, FernándezA, MenéndezJL, Challenges and opportunities for spark plasma sintering: a key technology for a new generation of materials. Sinter Appl. 2013;13:319–342.
20.
GuillonO, Gonzalez-JulianJ, DargatzB, Field-assisted sintering technology/spark plasma sintering: mechanisms, materials, and technology developments. Adv Eng Mater. 2014;16:830–849.
21.
OguntuyiSD, JohnsonOT, ShongweMB.Spark plasma sintering of ceramic matrix composite of ZrB 2 and TiB 2: microstructure, densification, and mechanical properties—a review. Met Mater Int. 2020;27:2146-2159. doi:10.1007/s12540-020-00874-8.
22.
OgunbiyiO, JamiruT, SadikuR, Spark plasma sintering of graphene-reinforced Inconel 738LC alloy: wear and corrosion performance. Met Mater Int. 2020: 1–15.
23.
MunirZA, Anselmi-TamburiniU, OhyanagiM.The effect of electric field and pressure on the synthesis and consolidation of materials: a review of the spark plasma sintering method. J Mater Sci. 2006;41:763–777.
24.
OrruR, LicheriR, LocciAM, Consolidation/synthesis of materials by electric current activated/assisted sintering. Mater Sci Eng R Rep. 2009;63:127–287.
25.
GarayJE.Current-activated, pressure-assisted densification of materials. Annu Rev Mater Res. 2010;40:445–468.
26.
MunirZA, QuachDV, OhyanagiM.Electric current activation of sintering: a review of the pulsed electric current sintering process. J Am Ceram Soc. 2011;94:1–19.
27.
DengS, LiR, YuanT, Direct current-enhanced densification kinetics during spark plasma sintering of tungsten powder. Scr Mater. 2018;143:25–29.
28.
LeeG, OlevskyEA, ManièreC, Effect of electric current on densification behavior of conductive ceramic powders consolidated by spark plasma sintering. Acta Mater. 2018;144:524–533.
29.
OgunbiyiOF, JamiruT, SadikuER, Microstructural characteristics and thermophysical properties of spark plasma sintered Inconel 738LC. Int J Adv Manuf Technol. 2019;104:1425–1436.
30.
OgunbiyiO, JamiruT, SadikuR, Influence of sintering temperature on the corrosion and wear behaviour of spark plasma–sintered Inconel 738LC alloy. Int J Adv Manuf Technol. 2019;104:4195–4206.
31.
XieS, LiR, YuanT, Viscous flow activation energy adaptation by isothermal spark plasma sintering applied with different current mode. Scr Mater. 2018;149:125–128.
32.
MoritaK, KimB-N, YoshidaH, Distribution of carbon contamination in oxide ceramics occurring during spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) processing: II – effect of SPS and loading temperatures. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2018;38:2596–2604.
33.
OgunbiyiO, JamiruT, SadikuR, Influence of Nickel powder particle size on the microstructure and densification of spark plasma sintered Nickel-based superalloy. Int J Eng Res Afr. 2021;53:1–19.
34.
ZhangZ-H, LiuZ-F, LuJ-F, The sintering mechanism in spark plasma sintering – proof of the occurrence of spark discharge. Scr Mater. 2014;81:56–59.
35.
TangY, XueJ-X, ZhangG-J, Microstructural differences and formation mechanisms of spark plasma sintered ceramics with or without boron nitride wrapping. Scr Mater. 2014;75:98–101.
PorterDL, HeuerAH.Mechanisms of toughening partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ). J Am Ceram Soc. 1977;60:183–184.
38.
TokitaM.Development of third-generation spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) systems. Advanced production process for fine ceramics and functionally gradient materials. Nyu Seramikkusu. 1994;7:63–74.
39.
LiR, YuanT, LiuX, Enhanced atomic diffusion of Fe–Al diffusion couple during spark plasma sintering. Scr Mater. 2016;110:105–108.
40.
SahebN, IqbalZ, KhalilA, Spark plasma sintering of metals and metal matrix nanocomposites: a review.. 2012;2012:1–13.
41.
SuárezG, GarridoLB, AgliettiEF.Sintering kinetics of 8Y–cubic zirconia: cation diffusion coefficient. Mater Chem Phys. 2008;110:370–375.
42.
PrakasamM, WeillF, LebraudE, Densification of 8Y-tetragonal-stabilized zirconia optoceramics with improved optical properties by Y segregation. Int J Appl Ceram Technol. 2016;13:904–911.
43.
UglovVV, KuleshovAK, SoldatenkoEA, Structure, phase composition and mechanical properties of hard alloy treated by intense pulsed electron beams. Surf Coat Technol. 2012;206:2972–2976.
44.
VonkV, KhorshidiN, StierleA, Atomic structure and composition of the yttria-stabilized zirconia (111) surface. Surf Sci. 2013;612:69–76.
45.
ZuoKH, ZengYP, JiangD.Properties of microstructure-controllable porous yttria-stabilized ziroconia ceramics fabricated by freeze casting. Int J Appl Ceram Technol. 2008;5:198–203.
46.
Della NegraM, FoghmoesSPV, KlemensøT.Complementary analysis techniques applied on optimizing suspensions of yttria stabilized zirconia. Ceram Int. 2016;42:14443–14451.
47.
BaeK, SonKS, KimJW, Proton incorporation in yttria-stabilized zirconia during atomic layer deposition. Int J Hydrogen Energy. 2014;39:2621–2627.
48.
MihaiLL, ParlatescuI, GheorgheC, In vitro study of the effectiveness to fractures of the aesthetic fixed restorations achieved from zirconium and alumina. Rev Chim. 2014;65:725–729.
49.
HuangX, ZhengX, ZhaoG, Microstructure and mechanical properties of zirconia-toughened lithium disilicate glass–ceramic composites. Mater Chem Phys. 2014;143:845–852.
50.
SubaşıMG, DemirN, KaraÖ, Mechanical properties of zirconia after different surface treatments and repeated firings. J Adv Prosthodont. 2014;6:462–467.
51.
WelhamNJ.New route for the extraction of crude zirconia from zircon. J Am Ceram Soc. 2002;85:2217–2221.
52.
El-TawilSZ, El-BarawyKA, FrancisAA.Cubic zirconia from zircon sand by firing with CaO/MgO mixture. J Ceram Soc Jpn. 1999;107:193–198.
53.
El-BarawyKA, El-TawilSZ, FrancisAA.Production of zirconia from zircon by thermal reaction with calcium oxide. J Ceram Soc Jpn. 1999;107:97–102.
54.
GhasaliE, AlizadehM, EbadzadehT.Mechanical and microstructure comparison between microwave and spark plasma sintering of Al–B4C composite. J Alloys Compd. 2016;655:93–98.
55.
UpadhyayaGS.Powder metallurgy technology. Cambridge Int Science Publishing; 1997.
56.
TorralbaJD, Da CostaCE, VelascoF.P/M aluminum matrix composites: an overview. J Mater Process Technol. 2003;133:203–206.
57.
GhasaliE, PaksereshtA, Safari-KooshaliF, Investigation on microstructure and mechanical behavior of Al–ZrB2 composite prepared by microwave and spark plasma sintering. Mater Sci Eng A. 2015;627:27–30.
58.
LiangA, JiangX, HongX, Recent developments concerning the dispersion methods and mechanisms of graphene. Coatings. 2018;8:33.
59.
ShirvanimoghaddamK, HamimSU, AkbariMK, Carbon fiber reinforced metal matrix composites: fabrication processes and properties. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf2017;92:70–96.
60.
DengCF, WangDZ, ZhangXX, Processing and properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum composites. Mater Sci Eng A. 2007;444:138–145.
61.
TekeliS, ErdoganM.A quantitative assessment of cavities in 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia specimens containing various grain size. Ceram Int. 2002;28:785–789.
62.
GaleJD, RohlAL.The general utility lattice program (GULP). Mol Simul. 2003;29:291–341.
63.
WangJ, RajR.Estimate of the activation energies for boundary diffusion from rate-controlled sintering of pure alumina, and alumina doped with zirconia or titania. J Am Ceram Soc. 1990;73:1172–1175.
64.
LiJ, HermanssonL, SöremarkR.High-strength biofunctional zirconia: mechanical properties and static fatigue behaviour of zirconia-apatite composites. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 1993;4:50–54.
65.
StuerM, ZhaoZ, AschauerU, Transparent polycrystalline alumina using spark plasma sintering: effect of Mg, Y and La doping. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2010;30:1335–1343.
66.
JianJ, ChangA, YangB, Electrical property of 8-mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte by spark-plasma sintering. Sci China Ser E Technol Sci. 2004;47:569–576.
67.
TakeuchiT, KondohI, TamariN, Improvement of mechanical strength of 8 mol % yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics by spark-plasma sintering. J Electrochem Soc. 2002;149:A455.
68.
ChenXJ, KhorKA, ChanSH, Preparation yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte by spark-plasma sintering. Mater Sci Eng A. 2003;341:43–48.
69.
KumarBVM, KimW-S, HongS-H, Effect of grain size on wear behavior in Y-TZP ceramics. Mater Sci Eng A. 2010;527:474–479.
70.
HaussonneJ-M.Céramiques et verres: principes et techniques d'élaboration vol. 16. PPUR presses polytechniques; 2005.
71.
KönigW, DauwDF, LevyG, EDM-future steps towards the machining of ceramics. CIRP Ann. 1988;37:623–631.
72.
VleugelsJ, Van der BiestO.Development and characterization of Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (Y-TZP) composites with TiB2, TiN, TiC, and TiC0.5N0.5. J Am Ceram Soc. 1999;82:2717–2720.
73.
ZhaoH, LiX, JuF, Effects of particle size of 8mol% Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) and additive Ta2O5 on the phase composition and the microstructure of sintered YSZ electrolyte. J Mater Process Technol. 2008;200:199–204.
74.
BakunovaNB, BarinovSM, IevlevVM, Effect of thermal treatment on sintering and strength of ceramics from hydroxyapatite nanopowders. Inorg Mater Appl Res. 2011;2:377–380.
75.
TokitaM.Trends in Advanced SPS spark plasma sintering systems and technology. Functionally gradient materials and unique synthetic processing methods from next generation of powder technology.. J Soc Powder Technol Jpn. 1993;30:790–804.
RestivoTAG, DurazzoM, de Mello-CastanhoSRH, Low-temperature densification of ceramics and cermets by the intermediary stage activated sintering method. J Therm Anal Calorim. 2018;131:249–258.
78.
SongXC, LuJ, ZhangTS, Sintering behavior and mechanisms of NiO-doped 8mol% yttria stabilized zirconia. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2011;31:2621–2627.
79.
BatistaRM, MuccilloENS.Densification and grain growth of 8YSZ containing NiO. Ceram Int. 2011;37:1047–1053.
80.
Van HerleJ, VasquezR.Conductivity of Mn and Ni-doped stabilized zirconia electrolyte. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2004;24:1177–1180.
81.
LewisGS, AtkinsonA, SteeleBCH.Cobalt additive for lowering the sintering temperature of yttria-stabilized zirconia. J Mater Sci Lett. 2001;20:1155–1157.
82.
ZhangTS, ChanSH, WangW, Effect of Mn addition on the densification, grain growth and ionic conductivity of pure and SiO2-containing 8YSZ electrolytes. Solid State Ionics. 2009;180:82–89.
83.
VerkerkMJ, WinnubstAJA, BurggraafAJ.Effect of impurities on sintering and conductivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia. J Mater Sci. 1982;17:3113–3122.
84.
KeizerK, BurggraafAJ.The effect of Bi2O3 on the electrical and mechanical properties of ZrO2-Y2O3 ceramics. J Mater Sci. 1982;17:1095–1102.
85.
HuC-F, KimB-N, ParkY-J, Microstructure and mechanical properties of nano ZrO2-10 vol.% TiN composite fabricated by spark plasma sintering. J Ceram Process Res. 2015;16:281–286.
86.
KrsticVD, WangK.Reaction sintering of TiN-TiB2 ceramics. Acta Mater2003;51:1809–1819.
87.
HolleckH.Material selection for hard coatings. J Vac Sci Technol A Vac Surf Films. 1986;4:2661–2669.
Brito-ChaparroJA, Aguilar-ElguezabalA, EcheberriaJ, Using high-purity MgO nanopowder as a stabilizer in two different particle size monoclinic ZrO2: its influence on the fracture toughness. Mater Chem Phys. 2009;114:407–414.
90.
HanninkRHJ, KellyPM, MuddleBC.Transformation toughening in zirconia-containing ceramics. J Am Ceram Soc. 2000;83:461–487.
91.
PezzottiG, SergoV, SbaizeroO, Strengthening contribution arising from residual stresses in Al2O3/ZrO2 composites: a piezo-spectroscopy investigation. J Eur Ceram Soc. 1999;19:247–253.
92.
ChakravartyD, SundararajanG.Microstructure, mechanical properties and machining performance of spark plasma sintered Al2O3–ZrO2–TiCN nanocomposites. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2013;33:2597–2607.
93.
RanS, GaoL.Mechanical properties and microstructure of TiN/TZP nanocomposites. Mater Sci Eng A. 2007;447:83–86.
94.
SalehiS, Van der BiestO, VleugelsJ.Electrically conductive zro2–tin composites. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2006;26:3173–3179.
95.
SunJ, HuangC, WangJ, Mechanical properties and microstructure of ZrO2–TiN–Al2O3 composite ceramics. Mater Sci Eng A. 2006;416:104–108.
96.
Bravo-LeonA, MorikawaY, KawaharaM, Fracture toughness of nanocrystalline tetragonal zirconia with low yttria content. Acta Mater. 2002;50:4555–4562.
97.
BecherPF, SwainMV.Grain-size-dependent transformation behavior in polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia. J Am Ceram Soc. 1992;75:493–502.
PristinskiyY, PinargoteNWS, SmirnovA.Spark plasma and conventional sintering of ZrO2-TiN composites: a comparative study on the microstructure and mechanical properties. MATEC Web of Conferences. 2018;224:01055.
100.
HuC-F, KimB-N, ParkY-J, Nano ZrO2–TiN composites with high strength and conductivity. J Ceram Soc Jpn. 2015;123:86–89.
101.
ChakravartyD, RoyS, DasPK.DC resistivity of alumina and zirconia sintered with TiC. Bull Mater Sci. 2005;28:227–231.
102.
ShibataK, SatoR, YoshinakaM, Electrical and mechanical properties of ZrO 2 (2Y)/TiN composites and laminates made from these materials. J Mater Sci. 1997;32:583–587.
103.
AnnéG, PutS, VanmeenselK, Hard, tough and strong ZrO2–WC composites from nanosized powders. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2005;25:55–63.
104.
PedzichZ, HaberkoK.Toughening mechanisms in the TZP–WC particulate composites. Key Eng Mater (Switzerland). 1997;132–136:2076–2079.
105.
FaberKT, EvansAG.Crack deflection processes—I. theory. Acta Metall. 1983;31:565–576.
106.
NiiharaK, NakahiraA.Strengthening and toughening mechanisms in nanocomposite ceramics. In Annales de chimie (Paris.1914). 1991;16:479–486.
107.
IshizakiK, NiiharaK, IsotaniM, Grain boundary controlled properties of fine ceramics: JFCC workshop series: Materials processing and design. Springer Science & Business Media; 2012.
108.
BambaN, ChoaY-H, SekinoT, Mechanical properties and microstructure for 3 mol% yttria doped zirconia/silicon carbide nanocomposites. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2003;23:773–780.
KingeryWD, BowenHK, UhlmannDR.Introduction to ceramics vol. 17. John Wiley & Sons; 1976.
111.
VasylkivO, SakkaY, SkorokhodVV.Hardness and fracture toughness of alumina-doped tetragonal zirconia with different yttria contents. Mater Trans. 2003;44:2235–2238.
112.
FukuharaM.Properties of (Y)ZrO2-Al2O3 and (Y)ZrO2-Al2O3-(Ti or Si)C composites. J Am Ceram Soc. 1989;72:236–242.
113.
MiyazakiH, KubobuchiK, YamaguchiK, Tensile deformation of both ZrO2/TiC composite and Al2O3/TiC composite at high temperature. Tensile deformation of both ZrO2/TiC composite and Al2O3/TiC composite at high temperature. Key Eng Mater. 2000;171:771–778.
114.
MitaniH, NagaiH, FukuharaM.Denitrification of TiN—Ni contacts during sintering. Mod Develop Powder Metall. 1981:347–362.
115.
FukuharaM, MitaniH.On the sintering of TiN-TiC-Ni ternary powder compacts. J Jpn Soc Powder Powder Metall. 1980;27:119–124.
116.
PędzichZ, HaberkoK, BabiarzJ, The TZP–chromium oxide and chromium carbide composites. J Eur Ceram Soc. 1998;18:1939–1943.
117.
BasuB, VenkateswaranT, KimDY.Microstructure and properties of spark plasma-sintered ZrO2–ZrB2 nanoceramic composites. J Am Ceram Soc. 2006;89:2405–2412.
118.
BakshiSD, BasuB, MishraSK.Microstructure and mechanical properties of sinter-HIPed ZrO2–ZrB2 composites. Compos. A: Appl. Sci. Manuf. 2006;37:2128–2135.
119.
BasuB, VleugelsJ, Van der BiestO.Development of ZrO2–ZrB2 composites. J Alloys Compd. 2002;334:200–204.
120.
GreenDJ.Critical microstructures for microcracking in Al2O3-ZrO2 composites. J Am Ceram Soc. 1982;65:610–614.
121.
BasuB, VleugelsJ, Van Der BiestO.Transformation behaviour of tetragonal zirconia: role of dopant content and distribution. Mater Sci Eng A. 2004;366:338–347.
122.
BasuB, VleugelsJ, Van der BiestO.Toughness tailoring of yttria-doped zirconia ceramics. Mater Sci Eng A. 2004;380:215–221.
123.
RühleM, EvansAG.High toughness ceramics and ceramic composites. Prog Mater Sci. 1989;33:85–167.
124.
YoshimuraM, OhjiT, SandoM, Rapid rate sintering of nano-grained ZrO2-based composites using pulse electric current sintering method. J Mater Sci Lett. 1998;17:1389–1391.
125.
DonzelL, RobertsSG.Microstructure and mechanical properties of cubic zirconia (8YSZ)/SiC nanocomposites. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2000;20:2457–2462.
126.
HaberkoK, PydaW, Pe¸dzichZ, A TZP matrix composite with in situ grown TiC inclusions. J Eur Ceram Soc. 2000;20:2649–2654.
