Synthesis and colloidal processing of nanocrystalline (Y2O3-stabilized) ZrO2 powders by a surface free energy controlled process

Using the controlled growth technique, nanocrystalline ZrO2 powders have been prepared from solution. By variation of the Y-content (0-8mol%), redispersable monoclinic, tetragonal or cubic ZrO2 powders with particle sizes between 5 and 10 nm were obtained after crystallization at elevated temperature and pressure. Nanodisperse suspensions of the powders have been used for colloidal processing techniques such as tape casting, slip casting or extrusion. The resulting green bodies with densities of 55% and average pore sizes of 5 nm could be sintered at temperatures below 1100 degrees C leading to monoclinic, tetragonal or cubic ZrO2 ceramics.