Surface Morphology of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Ceramics Treated by a Pulsed Low-Energy Electron Beam in the Forevacuum Pressure Range

Investigation of treatment of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics by a pulsed low-energy (8 keV) electron beam in the forevacuum pressure range is presented. Varying e-beam energy density and beam power per pulse can control surface roughness parameters of the YSZ ceramic: electron beam treatment allows smoothing the ceramic surface, or conversely, to form a rough surface. Smoothing of the YSZ ceramic surface is observed at energy density of more than 4 J/cm2 and beam power of more than 300 kW per pulse. When energy density exceeds a certain boundary value, an increase in roughness is observed. The boundary value of energy density decreases with increases in the e-beam power per pulse. Treatment of the YSZ ceramic by the pulsed electron beam also provides an increase in the microhardness of ceramic surface by a factor of up to 1.7-1.8 times.