ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: High spatial resolution energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) were performed on a series of A120 3 doped yttria stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics (3 Y-TZP). Significant segregation of the cation dopants to grain boundaries was detected. HREM studies confirmed that the grain boundaries were free of inter-granular glassy phase. A120 3 additions up to 0.25wt% were found to impart a significant improvement in the materials resistance to hydrothermal degradation.
