Ion-irradiation effects of strengthening of the ceramics based on zirconium dioxide

The new phenomena that results in an increase of the strength of zirconium-containing ceramics under the action of ion-plasma treatment of the initial powders is detected. The effect of the ion-plasma treatment of the ZrO₂ powders on the mechanical properties of ceramics is studied. The irradiation of the zirconium dioxide powders with low-energy Tl⁺ ions results in an increase of the strength of zirconium-containing ceramics by 30%. The ion modification of the ceramics based on the mixed ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ oxides results in an increase of its bending strength and in an increase of the fracture toughness by 15-20%. The effect is independent of the nature of accelerated ions and the initial strength of the samples.