Patent ID: 7595036
Filing Date: 2009-09-29
Classification: B82Y,C01G,C01P,C03C,C04B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline ZrO 2 powder, pure and free of foreign oxides, in particle sizes of approximately 10 to approximately 30 nm in diameter, comprising the steps of: preparing equal parts of an alcohol solution wherein a first part is mixed with deionized water and a second part is mixed with a zirconium-alkoxide; under processing conditions using an R-value of 60, wherein the R-value comprises the ratio of molar concentration of water to zirconium-alkoxide; adding a polymeric steric stabilizer to the first part of an alcohol solution with deionized water, wherein the stabilizer is in a concentration of approximately 1.0 to approximately 2.0 g/L and stirring until homogenized and forming a solution one; dissolving the zirconium alkoxide in the second part of the alcohol solution and forming a solution two; mixing the solution one and the solution two together; stirring the mixture for approximately 4 hours; holding the stirred mixture under static conditions for approximately 24 hours to complete the hydrolysis and condensation reactions; drying at approximately 80 degrees C. to remove solvent and form resultant material; crushing the resultant material to obtain nanocrystalline ZrO calcining at temperatures ranging from approximately 400° C. to approximately 800° C. wherein the nanocrystalline ZrO