Low Temperature Synthesis and Characterization of Zirconia Doped Alumina Nanopowder by Hydrothermal Process

Abstract
Al2O3-ZrO2 composite precursor powder containing 5–20 wt% ZrO2 was prepared by hydrothermal method at a reaction temperature of 190°C and pressure 4 kgf/cm2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of as-synthesized powder confirms the formation of bayerite and boehmite. The phases present in the powders calcined at 500°C and 800°C are α-Al2O3 and t-ZrO2. The Frontier Transform Infrared (FTIR) studies revealed the formation of α-Al2O3 in corroboration with X-ray studies. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the calcined powders at 800°C revealed the average particle size of alumina platelets is 60–70 nm in diameter and 10–15 nm in thickness whereas zirconia is observed as clusters of size 10–20 nm. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDAX) confirms the presence of alumina and zirconia particles.