Multi-component ceramic composites consisting of two, three and four phases, based on duplex microstructures of zirconia and alumina, were fabricated by a polymer complexation route employing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a polymeric carrier. The polymer complexation route showed an unique exothermic reaction involving expansion of the powder structure and it provided highly sinterable powder by a simple ball milling process. In this study, the microstructures and flexural strengths of the multi-component (Al2O3-ZrO2-CeO2-SrO) ceramic composites were examined on the processing variations of the forming and sintering for close to nano-structures. A composite having four phases showed grain growth retardation and the microstructure and final phases were largely dependant on the sintering conditions. Needle-like grains from the addition of SrO improved the flexural strength of the multiphase composites.

Keywords: Multiphase ceramic composites, Sintering, Flexural strength, Polyethylene glycol, Porous powders, Polymer complexation route