Reversible phase transition in laser-shocked 3Y-TZP ceramics observed via nanosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction

TL;DR

This study uses nanosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction to observe a reversible phase transition in laser-shocked 3Y-TZP ceramics, revealing rapid martensitic transformation and reversion under high pressure.

Contribution

It provides direct experimental evidence of the reversible phase transition dynamics in Y2O3-stabilized zirconia under laser shock compression.

Findings

Martensitic transformation to monoclinic phase occurs within 20 ns at 5 GPa

Monoclinic phase reverts to tetragonal during pressure release

Y2O3 stabilization is negated by shear stress under compression

Abstract

The high-pressure phase stability of the metastable tetragonal zirconia is still under debate. The transition dynamics of shocked Y2O3 (3 mol%) stabilized tetragonal zirconia ceramics under laser-shock compression has been directly studied using nanosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction. The martensitic phase transformation to the monoclinic phase, which is the stable phase for pure zirconia at ambient pressure and room temperature, has been observed during compression at 5 GPa within 20 ns without any intermediates. This monoclinic phase reverts back to the tetragonal phase during pressure release. The results imply that the stabilization effect due to addition of Y2O3 is negated by the shear stress under compression.