Densification and properties of bulk nanocrystalline functional ceramics with grain size below 50 nm

The synthesis and functional characterization of dense bulk nanometric coddes are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the modifications that a grain size in the low nanometric range (10-50 nm) introduces in their physical properties. The preparation of ceramics with low porosity and extremely small grain size is particularly challenging and mostly relies on the sintering of extremely fine nanopowder. The most popular methods for the preparation of the starting nanopowders are introduced and briefly discussed as well as the most widely employed densification techniques. The role of nanostructure in controlling phase stability, electrical and thermal transport, optical and magnetic properties of nano-oxides is discussed in details. Several examples are given where bulk materials prepared with grain size equal or below 50 nm show characteristics that are either enhanced or, in some cases, completely different from those possessed by the same materials, but with larger grain sizes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.