Yurdakul, ArifeBalci, Osman2026-01-242026-01-2420212522-01282522-0136https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-021-00245-whttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12868/5619For the first time, this work purposes a novel composite production from alumina-toughened zirconia titanium diboride (ATZ-TiB2). In designing the composites, the matrix was composed of 3 mol % yttria (Y2O3) stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (3Y-TZP) and 8 mol % magnesia (MgO) partially stabilized zirconia (8 Mg-PSZ) phases at an equal molar ratio. Besides, alumina (alpha-Al2O3) and TiB2 were added to the 3Y-TZP/8 Mg-PSZ matrix with 1 wt% and 0.5-2 wt% ratios, respectively. The composites were densified up to similar to 97% of their theoretical density (TD) through pressureless sintering at 1500-1600 degrees C for 1-2 h. The mechanical and tribological characteristics of ATZ-TiB2 composites were characterized by Vickers hardness (HV), indentation fracture toughness (KO, flexural strength (o), and wear tests. According to the best results, ATZ-0.5 wt% TiB2 composite (at 1500 degrees C-1 h) revealed the HV = 8.05 +/- 0.25 GPa and K-Ic = 6.35 +/- 0.25 MPa m(1/2), whereas that of the reference sample no including TiB 2 (at 1500 degrees C-1 h) exhibited the HV = 5.95 +/- 0.25 GPa and K-Ic = 4.92 +/- 0.25 MPa m(1/2), respectively. The highest sigma value was measured as 431 +/- 18 MPa for ATZ-1% wt. TiB2 composite (at 1500 degrees C-2 h), while the reference sample's sigma value was seen as 409 +/- 25 MPa (at 1500 degrees C-2 h). The wear rate W = 12 x 10(-5 )mm(3) m(-1) for ATZ-0.5 wt% TiB2 was quite lower than the reference sample's W = 2710 x 10(-5) mm(3) m(-1) (at 1500 degrees C-1 h). Based on the advanced electron microscopy and crystallographical analyses, thermally assisted t-ZrO2 -> m-ZrO2 phase transformation and TiB2 's intrinsic hardness were crucial for enhancing mechanical and tribological properties. Therefore, it is anticipated that the ATZ-TiB2 composites can be considered a potential candidate for structural applications such as ceramic bushings and welding pins.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAluminaATZ-TiB28 Mg-PSZ3Y-TZPZirconiaArticle10.1007/s42114-021-00245-w424154342-s2.0-85121422490Q1WOS:000632364300002Q1