Partially yttrium-stabilized zirconia ceramic powder has superior mechanical properties, and understanding of particle surface properties changes due to the fabrication process can improve production technology of ceramic components with more suitable macroscopic properties, such as moldability, durability, flexibility, etc.

We measured AFM topography of two different powders - raw and calcinated. The calculated surface roughness was then compared, and we found out that the calcination process changed the powder surface mainly in the developed interfacial area by 10 % (higher) in the micro-scale, which corresponds with the known higher flowability of the powder in the macro-scale.

Measurement modes: AFM topography, SEM, roughness calculation

LiteScope benefits:

• Direct surface roughness measurement
• Time-efficient calculation within NenoView software
• Safe tip navigation thanks to SEM control tip

Sample courtesy of Karel Maca, CEITEC BUT, Czech republic