Synthesis of 3Y–ZrO2 nano-powders via a W/O emulsion

Tetragonal 3Y–ZrO2 powders of 20–40 nm were prepared in a stable W/O emulsion system. Two variables, P and G, were used to investigate the properties of the emulsion, then the optimal parameters were determined for the production of 3Y–ZrO2 nano-powders. The particle size and size distribution were measured, and the results showed that the quality of final powders made by emulsion is better than those prepared by the traditional coprecipitation process. The texture of dried samples and precipitates measured by TEM showed that the polymeric network can effect greatly on the quality of the final powders.