Thermal and mechanical properties of porous Y-PSZ/zircon composites

The thermal and mechanical properties of sintered porous composites of yttria-partially-stabilized-zir-conia (Y-PSZ) and zircon (ZrSiO4) were investigated for a broad range of compositions. Fracture strengths of these composites were significantly improved with the zircon addition (0 to 50wt%). The addition of zircon also improved the thermal shock resistance. Specimens sintered at 1500°C for 6 h with 15–20% porosity were shown to have superior strength and thermal shock resistance. These findings have been used in the manufacturing of ceramic permanent molds for brass casting.