Preparation of fine multicomponent oxide ceramic powder by a combustion synthesis process

An important, rather novel procedure for the synthesis of submicron crystalline multicomponent oxide ceramic powders has been studied. The synthesis of CuFe₂O₄ powder, a ferrite material, has been used as a model system for understanding the synthesis process. The effect of the fuel content, powder packing, and surface heat loss has been investigated in terms of the maximum reaction temperature and reaction period, phase formation, and particle size and morphology. It has been shown that the maximum temperature and reaction period can be tailored to produce different phases. The submicron features of the synthesized powders are indicated by the large surface area values obtained from BET measurement.