Novel dense composites based on Agl-Ag2O-B2O3 glass/ ZrO2 powders (~1 or 10 um grains) were prepared by the application of high pressures (up to ~8 GPa) at 100-200 C. Their electrical properties, microstructures & thermal properties were determined & qualitative evaluation of their mechanical properties was undertaken. The electrical conductivity of the composites was lower by a factor of 2-5 than that of the base glass. Up to ~ 120 C the conductivity has an Arrhenius dependence on with an activation energy of ~0.3eV, close to that of the glass. Scanning electron micrographs show that the glassy phase has generally been evenly distributed between the ZrO2 grains, although some small (~50 nm) drop like features next to the surfaces of zirconia grains were also observed.
