This research deals with the continuation of previous studies on the toughening mechanisms in zirconia alloys. The work will focus on two technically important systems with magnesia and ceria stabilizers, and will extend the previous microanalytical efforts, primarily via transmission electron microscopy, to include mechanical characterization and in situ studies of crack propagation. The study will address the very important question of the R-curve behavior in these materials, which requires a close collaboration between mechanical testing and microanalytical procedures. The materials being investigated here, and the toughening mechanisms being evaluated are extremely important from a technological standpoint, as the zirconia alloys and derivatives will have increasing number of applications in various products. Previous development of these materials has been largely empirical in nature, and development of a better scientific understanding of the toughening mechanisms in these systems would greatly aid future development and applications. The mechanisms of toughening in these materials are quite complex, and understanding the details of these mechanisms requires careful and detailed scientific analysis of the materials and the processes occurring therein.
