(US6232004-B1)   NOVELTY - Sintered or untreated zirconia or yttria stabilized zirconia is treated with a treatment agent comprising titanium at 1100 degrees C for five minutes. The titanium is dispersed throughout the zirconia surface and the surface areas having titanium contact have lower concentration of oxygen species than the areas which are away from the titanium contact.    USE - The treated ceramic is used in e.g. implantable medical devices, gas separation membranes, oxygen sensors, fuel cells, electrical connectors and electronics packages, structural components such as water jet apertures, sand blasting nozzles, internal pump components, static dissipative components, guide bearings, bushings, spindles for textile manufacturing, mirrors for use with lasers, sporting goods, jewelry, blades, knives and scissors, and in electrostatic discharge applications, e.g. semiconductor manufacturing applications.    ADVANTAGE - Improved structural and physical properties are obtained. Reduces oxygen depletion in the localized areas of the ceramic materials. The ceramic material surface is darkened, thereby allowing ceramic materials to exhibit different coloration and different crystallization structures having high defect densities of both stacking and twining faults. Improved flexural strength and wear resistance are obtained. The micro-porosity and electrical resistance of zirconia are reduced.    (EP1100626-A1)   NOVELTY - Sintered or untreated zirconia or yttria stabilized zirconia is treated with a treatment agent comprising titanium at 1100 degrees C for five minutes. The titanium is dispersed throughout the zirconia surface and the surface areas having titanium contact have lower concentration of oxygen species than the areas which are away from the titanium contact.    USE - The treated ceramic is used in e.g. implantable medical devices, gas separation membranes, oxygen sensors, fuel cells, electrical connectors and electronics packages, structural components such as water jet apertures, sand blasting nozzles, internal pump components, static dissipative components, guide bearings, bushings, spindles for textile manufacturing, mirrors for use with lasers, sporting goods, jewelry, blades, knives and scissors, and in electrostatic discharge applications, e.g. semiconductor manufacturing applications.    ADVANTAGE - Improved structural and physical properties are obtained. Reduces oxygen depletion in the localized areas of the ceramic materials. The ceramic material surface is darkened, thereby allowing ceramic materials to exhibit different coloration and different crystallization structures having high defect densities of both stacking and twining faults. Improved flexural strength and wear resistance are obtained. The micro-porosity and electrical resistance of zirconia are reduced.