ZIRCONIA TOUGHENED ALUMINA

Zirconia aluminia (or zirconia toughened alumina), a combination of zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide, is part of a class of composite ceramics called AZ composites. Noted for their mechanical properties, AZ composites are commonly used in structural applications, as cutting tools, and in many medical applications. Additionally, AZ composites feature high strength, fracture toughness, elasticity, hardness, and wear resistance. Zirconia toughened aluminum (ZTA) typically consists of alumina with a 10 to 20 percent zirconia concentration,which enhances the strength of the alumina. Cutting tools can be manufactured from ZTA, which can then be used in metal-cutting applications. In order to produce effective cutting tools, ZTA must be manufactured through sintering and grinding, with the grinding process playing a key role in determining the surface characteristics of the blade.