Fabrication of black-colored CuO–Al2O3–ZrO2 ceramics via heterogeneous nucleation method

We have reported the fabrication of black-colored CuO–Al2O3–ZrO2 ceramics via a heterogeneous nucleation method. The as-prepared ZrO2 ceramics exhibit a deep and genuine black color with a uniform color distribution. PEG2000 has been used as the dispersants for the preparation of ZrO2 nanopowder solutions. Then Cu and Al hydrates have been introduced into the solutions with tailored pH values for the fabricated coated ZrO2 powders, to induce the heterogeneous nucleation of the colorants within ZrO2 matrixes. CuO and Al2O3 transformed from Cu and Al hydrates act as the black colorant and colorant stabilizer, respectively, which make the fabrication of black ZrO2 at a relatively low sintering temperature of 1200 °C. The fabricated black-colored ZrO2 ceramics are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and optical reflectance spectrum. It can be believed that current work could present a facile and cost-saving method for fabrication of black-colored ZrO2 ceramics without using any toxic chromophore elements.