Thermal and morphological studies of binary and ternary composites of poly(vinylalcohol) with alumina and zirconia

Composites of PVA with alumina (PVA–Al2O3), zirconia (PVA–ZrO2), and both alumina–zirconia (PVA–Al2O3–ZrO2) were prepared by ball milling the dispersed solid powder of Al2O3, ZrO2 and Al2O3–ZrO2 in a PVA matrix at room temperature. The composites were cast into films. The films were later decomposed and the residual ceramics were sintered at 1400°C. The surfaces of the composites have been examined using scanning electron microscopy at various stages. The nature of decomposition of PVA as influenced by ceramic particle surfaces has also been studied. There is clear evidence that controllable morphologies and microscopic porosities can be achieved in these composites.