Effect of CuO Addition on the Sintering Behavior and Electrical Conductivity of 3Y-TZP

Yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) doped with CuO was prepared, to get two compositions, 0.3 and 1 mole fraction CuO, respectively. The dilatometric study of the samples showed sintering to be improved for the samples doped with 0.3 mole fraction CuO, and to be deteriorated for the samples doped with 1 mole fraction CuO. The 1 mole fraction CuO doped 3Y-TZP showed higher tetragonal/monoclinic phase transformation which was accompanied by grain growth. The electrical conductivity decreased with the addition of CuO.