Solution combustion synthesis of calcium zirconate, CaZrO3, powders

Single-phase CaZrO3 powder was prepared by heating at 300 degrees C an aqueous solution of Ca(NO3)(2). ZrO(NO3)(2) and beta-C3H7NO2 (molar ratio=3:3 4) TG-DTA analysis indicated that an intense exothermic reaction occurred at 255 degrees C, which lead to the formation of a voluminous white powder. No additional annealing was required, as pure crystalline CaZrO3 resulted directly from the combustion reaction Although no advanced milling was performed, the specific surface area of the powder was 21 5 m(2)/g The average crystallite size of CaZrO3 was 239 nm After sintering in air at 1400 degrees C for 2 h, the pellets shaped by uniaxial pressing at 200 MPa - reached 95% of the theoretical density, had no open pores and were slightly translucent. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.