Prevention of Low‐Temperature Surface Transformation by Surface Recrystallization in Yttria‐Doped Tetragonal Zirconia

Abstract

The low‐temperature (100° to 400°C) tetragonal to monoclinic transformation in yttria‐doped tetragonal zirconia (Y‐TZP) can be inhibited by a postsintering grinding and annealing treatment. The surface region so treated contains fine tetragonal grains which have recrystallized from the severely damaged ground surface. The various features of the recrystallized surface that may affect the lowtemperature transformation are analyzed.