Porous zirconium titanate ceramics synthesized by sol-gel process

Zirconium titanate, ZrTiO(4), was synthesized by sol-gel method from zirconium butoxide and titanium isopropoxide. Amorphous ZrTiO(4) powder was ground, calcined at 500 degrees C, and milled to homogenize size distribution of the powder. Milled powder was pressed into tablets and sintered at 900-1400 degrees C for 8h. Differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometric studies indicated crystallization of ZrTiO(4) at 600-700 degrees C. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed presence of crystallized ZrTiO(4) already at 900 degrees C, and crystallite size was determined by Scherrer equation. Scanning electron microscopy showed that ZrTiO(4) grains begin to sinter at higher temperatures, starting from 1200 degrees C, while preserving high porosity up to 1300 degrees C as confirmed by dilatometry and mercury intrusion porosimetry. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.