Polarization-assisted surface engineering for low temperature degradation-proof in yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics

This study demonstrates that electrical polarization inhibited low-temperature degradation (LTD) of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Electrical polarizations, which were confirmed by the thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements, were induced by an applied dc voltage. The induced polarizations caused hydrophilic surfaces. The more hydrophilic the surfaces became, the more resistant they became to degradation. We propose a mechanism of LTD inhibition in which the electric repulsive force induced by the polarizations prevented the invasion of water into the inner part of the YSZ.