Preparation of spherical ultrafine zirconia powder in microemulsion system and its dispersibility

The water droplets in the microemulsion system of cyclohexane/water/Triton X-100/hexyl alcohol can act as the nanoreactors which solubilize zirconium oxychloride and ammonia separately. The precipitation reactions will take place in the confined spaces determined by the droplets size. The minute original reactors help us obtain ultrafine spherical zirconia powder with uniform diameter distribution and weak aggregate. The content of soluble ions, especially high valence contra-ions is lower in the powder than that in other commercial powders. Comprehensively, analyzing zeta potential and rheological characteristics of the zirconia aqueous suspension, we conclude that the powder has perfect dispersibility.