A dispersed, low-solids-fraction suspension containing Ce-ZrO2, fine Al2O3 and 5 vol% Al2O3-platelets
was segregated using centrifugal consolidation to produce functionally gradient laminates (FGLs).
Platelet alignment facilitated efficient packing of highly anisometric platelets to high densities. The
complexity and anisotropy of the microstructure warrants a quantitative analysis of the microstructural
evolution prior to any property evaluation. Quantitative image analysis was used to examine changes
in the volume fraction, dimensional anisotropy, and gradient of pores and platelets with sintering time.
In all cases, special attention was given to the effects of texture during microstructural evolution. Platelet
alignment enhanced densification via anisotropic shrinkage, overcoming constraint that otherwise inhibits
densification in platelet-containing materials. Also, platelet alignment and microstructural design were
used to initiate and control anisotropic grain growth. Platelet growth (at the expense of smaller particles
of the same phase) during annealing promoted further phase segregation and produced higher platelet
content composites consisting of larger platelets, without having to consolidate high contents of large
platelets.
