The densification behaviour of Sm2Zr2O7/SmAlO3 ceramic composites was studied by pressureless sintering at temperatures of 1500-1700 oC for 10 h in air. The microstructure and hardness of Sm2Zr2O7/SmAlO3 ceramic composites were investigated by the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Vickers hardness tester. The Sm2Zr2O7/SmAlO3 ceramic composites are composed of pyrochlore-type Sm2Zr2O7 and perovskite-like SmAlO3 structure. The relative density of Sm2Zr2O7/SmAlO3 ceramic composites increases with increasing sintering temperature. Vickers hardness of Sm2Zr2O7/SmAlO3 ceramic composites slightly increases with increasing SmAlO3 content.
Keywords: Ceramics, Sintering, Microstructure, Hardness.