Thermal and morphologicalstudies of binary and ternarycomposites of poly(vinylalcohol) with alumina and zirconia

Abstract

Composites of PVA with alumina (PVA-Al₂O₃), zirconia (PVA-ZrO₂), and both alumina-zirconia (PVA-Al₂O₃-ZrO₂) were prepared by ball milling the dispersed solid powder of Al₂O₃, ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃-ZrO₂ in a PVA matrix at room temperature. The composites were cast into films. The films were later decomposed and the residual ceramics were sintered at 1400°C. The surfaces of the composites have been examined using scanning electron microscopy at various stages. The nature of decomposition of PVA as influenced by ceramic particle surfaces has also been studied. There is clear evidence that controllable morphologies and microscopic porosities can be achieved in these composites.