The effect of particle size in freeze casting of porous alumina–zirconia composite

The freeze casting technique was employed to fabricate porous alumina–zirconia composite ceramics. The composite ceramics showed lamellar morphologies. The porosity decreased from 74% to 35%, whilst the initial solids loading increased from 11 vol% to 30 vol%. The chemical composition analysis by EDX indicated that the phase segregation occurred due to different particle sizes and densities. Engulfment could be induced by variation of particle size. Moreover, the particle size can also affect the mechanical properties of the ceramics.