Asymmetric, three- and symmetric five-layer Y-TZP/Ce-TZP composites have been prepared by sequential slip casting and pressureless sintering at 1400-1600degreesC in air. The three-layer material sintered at 1500degreesC showed the maximum fracture strength (534 MPa), measured by a diametral compression test and failed by the triple-cleft mode of fracture. Contact damage resistance was superior in three-layer composite compared with five-layer, possibly due to the development of relatively large residual compressive stress. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.