CRYSTALLINE PHASES OF SOL-GEL ZRO2 IN THE ZRO2-SIO2 SYSTEM - DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL-ANALYSIS AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY STUDIES

Zirconium oxide dispersed in silica was synthesized by the cogelation of tetraethoxysilane and zirconium acetate. For the gelation, acid and basic media were used. The final zirconia concentration was around 6.7 wt. %. Differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, as well as electron microscope techniques were used for the characterization of the samples. It was found that the stabilization of the crystalline phases depends on the preparation conditions and thermal treatments. Tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2 phases were identified in basic preparations. However, in acidic samples only low-temperature tetragonal phase was identified.