Characterization of nanocrystalline zirconia powders by electron optical techniques

Electron optical techniques are described for the characterization of the size distribution of agglomerates, aggregates and primary micro- and nanocrystallites of as-processed zirconia powders. These techniques allow for direct identification of individual crystallites as tetragonal or monoclinic, by optical transform of high-resolution electron micrographs. The latter also permit surface morphology to be examined with atomic resolution. Applications to a range of pure and doped zirconia powders, of recent commercial interest, are presented, which enable the results of concurrent studies by sedimentation, surface specific area measurements, porosity and sinterability to be correctly interpreted. 18 figs