Production of multicomponent ceramic powders by alkoxide hydrolysis: The preparation of Synroc

Advanced chemical methods for producing the multicomponent ceramic, Synroc B, involving the hydrolysis of a mixture of titanium, zirconium, and aluminium alkoxides, and simultaneous adsorption of Ba2+ and Ca2+ cations under basic conditions, have been examined. Chemical processes occurring during formation of the solid phase were investigated by pH and conductivity measurements, together with x-ray diffraction, electrokinetic and vibrational spectroscopic techniques. The effects of processing conditions on the physical properties of the powders are discussed, and the conditions leading to potential component segregation are identified. (orig.)