Microstructure characteristics of ultra-fine ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ ceramic powdersstar, open

Yttria-doped zirconia powders with an extremely small crystallite size (8 nm) and a narrow size distribution have been prepared by gel precipitation methods. Precipitation of an alkoxide solution in water (“alkoxide” synthesis) results in weaker agglomerates when compared with a precipitation of a metal chloride solution in ammonia (“chloride” synthesis). Both types of agglomerate are fractured during isostatic compaction. The “alkoxide” agglomerates consist of strong small aggregates (15–20 nm) while within the “chloride” agglomerates no, or only a few, aggregates are present