The effect of nano-TiO2 addition on the properties of mullite-zirconia composites prepared by slip casting

The mullite-zirconia composites were prepared by reaction-sintering of alumina and zircon powder. Besides, the slip casting method was employed for fabrication of these composites. Then, the effect of nano-TiO2 addition on the properties of these composites was investigated and the results were compared with micro-sized TiO2. Hence, the physical properties, phase composition, flexural strength and microstructure of these composites after firing at 1600°C were studied. The results showed that the flexural strength of composite tends to increase with the addition of 0.5 wt.% nano-TiO2. It is attributed to the formation of larger size rod-like ZrO2 and enhanced ceramic bonding between them.