Attrition milling of metallic-ceramic particles in acetyl-acetone

Suspensions were prepared from attrition-milling of a mixture of yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) and aluminium (Al) in acetyl-acetone (ACAC). The attrition milling not only reduced the particle size of the powder mixture, but also reduced the YSZ crystallite size. One factor contributing to reduction in both particle size and crystallite size was chemical reaction between YSZ and ACAC during attrition milling. TEM of the particles before and after milling confirmed the effect of the chemical reaction. Thermal analyses and dilatometer measurements of the green compact made from these particles indicated that the oxidation of Al occurred at temperatures from 400 to 880 °C and sintering started at 1000 °C.