Two mechanisms are proposed for the limitation of strength in transformation‐toughened zirconia ceramics: that the strength is limited by the critical stress to induce the tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic zirconia phase transformation and that the inherent R ‐curve behavior of these materials limits the strength. Experimental evidence to support both mechanisms is presented which agrees tolerably well with theoretical predictions. However, for materials with larger initial flaws and higher toughness the experimental results favor the R ‐curve argument.
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Swain et al. (1986) studied this question.
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