Abstract
The effects of the addition of Ta205 or Nb205 on the sintering and refractory properties of 2ZrO2·P2O5‐based ceramics have been investigated. The solid solution with Nb2O5 has a lower average thermal expansion coefficient than the pure phase. The strength of the polycrystalline ceramic is reduced when the grain size exceeds the transition grain size for microcracking. The thermal expansion of the ceramic is abruptly lowered when the grain size exceeds a value which should be termed the “second transition grain size” for additional wider microcracking. SiO2 was found most effective for inhibiting grain growth to prevent microcracking and for obtaining a strong ceramic.

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