Structural, optical tuning, and mechanical behavior of zirconia toughened alumina through europium substitutions

The structural and optical features of zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) due to the assorted range of Eu 3+ substitutions are demonstrated. The characterization studies affirm the pivotal role of Eu 3+ on the improved structural stability of ZTA and associated tetragonal zirconia ( t ‐ZrO 2 ) → cubic zirconia ( c ‐ZrO 2 ) transformation. Eu 3+ prefers accommodation at the lattice sites of ZrO 2 and their gradual accumulation induces t ‐ → c ‐ZrO 2 transition. Beyond the substitution limit, Eu 3+ reacts with Al 2 O 3 to form EuAlO 3 . Optical studies validate typical Eu 3+ emissions, and further, the emission spectrum also predicts the symmetry of Eu 3+ coordination at the ZrO 2 lattice. Uniform distribution of ZrO 2 and Al 2 O 3 grains throughout the microstructures are evident from the morphological analysis. Further, the influence of Eu 3+ on the enhanced mechanical stability of ZTA is ensured from indentation technique. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1170–1179, 2019.