Sintering and Microstructure Modification of Mullite/Zirconia Composites Derived from Silica‐Coated Alumina Powders

This paper addresses the densification and microstructure development during firing of mullite/zirconia composites made from silica‐coated‐alumina (SCA) microcomposite powders. Densification occurs in two stages: in the presence of a silica–alumina mixture and after conversion to mullite. The first stage of densification occurs through transient viscous phase sintering (TVS). This is best promoted by rapid heating, which delays the …