In this work, it is shown that the addition of zirconia does not hinder the establishment of a nacre-like microstructure (FIGURE ) using only FAST for platelets orientation, even when there is no glass phase or nanoparticles. After introduction of zirconia either by chemical route (Zm) or by powder adsorption onto the platelets (Zt), zirconia is homogeneously localized between the alumina grains. Zirconia in the monoclinic phase does not improve the mechanical properties, with Zm samples having properties close and slightly below those of samples without zirconia (AP) (FIGURE ). This could be explained by a slight decrease in the density of samples with Zm zirconia compared to AP samples (FIGURE ). On the other hand, zirconia in tetragonal form seems to be beneficial for the fracture properties of the material. Indeed, the strength of AP ng -Zt is 50% higher than that of AP ng , while the strength and toughness of AP-Zt and especially AP-Zt-HP are clearly above that of AP. It is also noted that the mechanical properties follow a trend with the porosity fraction (they decrease with the porosity fraction up to 10% (FIGURE )).