In this investigation a series of Al2O3-ZrO2 composites materials were prepared using unstabilised ZrO2 or different amount of either Y2O3 or CeO2 for stabilising the ZrO2 in its metastable tetragonal form. The mechanical properties (hardness, bend strength and toughness) were measured and the influence of the different micro structure obtained as well as the role of phase transformation and micro cracks has been assessed.
