Structure Formation of a Ceramic Composite of the Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ System During Strontium Hexaaluminate Synthesis During Firing

Experimental results for structure formation of a ceramic composite of the Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ system with formation of reinforcing strontium hexaaluminate (SrAl₁₂O₁₉) during firing are presented. Lamellar crystals of SrAl₁₂O₁₉ are shown to be uniformly distributed in the composite structure, the strength of which is increased by 30% if SrAl₁₂O₁₉ is synthesized during firing of the ceramic with pre-synthesized strontium zirconate (precursor) introduced into the charge. Introduction of pre-synthesized SrAl₁₂O₁₉ into the composite charge followed by mixing and grinding does not harden the composite.