Gadolinium Doping in Zirconia-Toughened Alumina Systems and Their Structural, Mechanical, and Aging Behavior Repercussions

Abstract

A series of Gd dopings in zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) systems were undertaken to explore the resultant structural, morphological, hydrothermal aging, and mechanical behavior and imaging contrast abilities. The results from the characterization techniques demonstrate the significance of Gd in preserving the structural stability of ZTA systems. ZTA undergoes phase degradation with 10 wt % Gd at 1400 °C, while the 100 wt % Gd yields GdAlO even at 1200 °C. Gd doping at the intermediate level preserves the structural stability of ZTA systems until 1400 °C. Gd occupies the ZrO lattice, and its gradual accumulation induces tetragonal ZrO (t-ZrO) to cubic ZrO (c-ZrO) phase transition. α-AlO crystallizes at 1200 °C and remains unperturbed except for its reaction with the free Gd ions to yield GdAlO. Aging studies and mechanical tests signify the impeccable role of Gd in ZTA systems to resist phase degradation. Further, the imaging contrast ability of ZTA systems due to Gd doping is verified from the in vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.

Structural, optical tuning, and mechanical behavior of zirconia toughened alumina through europium substitutions

“…Table presents the precursor concentrations along with their sample codes. The synthetic procedure is followed in accordance with the protocol as described elsewhere . In a brief description of the synthesis, ZrOCl 2 stock solution was slowly added to Al(NO 3 ) 3 solution under constant stirring conditions followed by a slow addition of Eu(NO 3 ) 3 solution to this reaction mixture.…”

“…Current investigations on the individual additions of Gd 3+ and Dy 3+ to ZTA systems harvest improved aging resistance in hydrothermal conditions and better mechanical features. The continuous accumulation of Gd 3+ and Dy 3+ at the ZrO 2 lattice to induce t ‐ → c ‐ZrO 2 transition until their substitution limit and thereafter free ions react with Al 2 O 3 to form their respective GdAlO 3 and DyAlO 3 is reported , Among the existing stabilizers used in ZTA systems, Gd 3+ and Dy 3+ inclusion widens the applicability of resultant material in medical applications. T 2 contrast imaging and the emission characteristics of Dy 3+ and the potential T 1 and T 2 contrast imaging features of Gd 3+ has been explored …”

“…Recent reports envisage the use of Ce 4+ , Ti 4+ , Ta 5+ , SiO 2 , Dy 3+ , and Gd 3+ as stabilizers in ZTA systems . The combination of improved fracture toughness and better resistance to phase degradation is determined by CeO 2 inclusions in ZTA systems …”

Synthesis, structural, mechanical, and in vitro evaluations of NiFe2O4/ZrO2 composites

“…The lack of appropriate mechanical features have been a major concern while recommending HAP, β ‐TCP, and bioglass in hard tissue replacement . On the contrary, exceptional mechanical stability of ZrO 2 and Al 2 O 3 is well‐established in bone tissue engineering . Nevertheless, tailoring the magnetic features especially in ZrO 2 ceramic has been rather a scarce documentation.…”

“…19 On the contrary, exceptional mechanical stability of ZrO 2 and Al 2 O 3 is well-established in bone tissue engineering. [20][21][22][23][24][25] Nevertheless, tailoring the magnetic features especially in ZrO 2 ceramic has been rather a scarce documentation. Transition metals are generally preferred to impart magnetic characteristics such as being witnessed in the component like Fe 3 [26][27][28][29][30] In particular, NiFe 2 O 4 possesses the salient features of exceptional magnetic property, physical flexibility, mechanical compatibility, and resistance towards corrosion.…”