ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ composites were developed using the co-precipitation method starting from the corresponding chlorides (zirconia was fully stabilized by using 8% Y₂O₃ weight ratio).

In order to obtain ceramic composites with high relative density (over 99%) there were used oxide additives such as ZnO, CuO, MnO₂ and TiO₂ (2% weight ratio).

The sintering process of the compacted green bodies (obtained by uniaxial pressing) was carried out at temperatures between 1400° and 1600°C, with a maintaining time at highest temperature of 3 hours at the maximum temperature. For the heat treatment at 1500°C the soaking time was varied from 3 to 6 hours.

The microstructure and phase composition of the dense sintered ceramic composites were determined through the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The compressive strength and Young’s modulus of sintered composites were measured, too. The results have indicated that the nature of the additive oxide and the sintering temperature are the key factors in controlling the mechanical behavior of studied ceramics composites.