Sintering of Zirconia Nanopowder by Microwave‐Laser Hybrid Process

Abstract

A new hybrid sintering process has been developed by replacing all but one laser by microwaves in the existing simultaneous multiple laser process (SIMPLE). Microwave energy has been used to preheat the material before laser radiation, and the synergism between microwave and laser energies could effectively heat the material to temperatures of 1700°C and beyond in just a few minutes. Using this process, rapid sintering of 3Y–ZrO 2 (3Y–TZP) pellets has been achieved in a few minutes. Microstructural investigations reveal that the microwave–laser hybrid sintered pellets of 3Y–ZrO 2 have nanograins averaging about 20 nm. The microwave–laser hybrid sintering process can clearly be a new approach for fabrication of nanoceramics and nanocomposites.