A combustion synthesis process for synthesizing nanocrystalline zirconia powders

Materials with nanocrystalline features are expected to have improved or unique properties when compared to those of conventional materials. Methods for the practical and economical production of nanoparticles in large quantities are not presently available. A method based on combustion synthesis for preparing nanocrystalline powders was investigated in this work. Yttria-doped zirconia powders with an average crystallite size of 10 nm were synthesized. The characteristics of the powder (e.g., surface area and phase content) were found to depend strongly on the fuel content in the starting mixture and on the ignition temperature used in the process. The method is expected to be suitable for commercial fabrication of nanocrystalline multicomponent oxide ceramic powders.