X-ray and micro-Raman analysis of nanophase ZrO2 and Y2O3–ZrO2 produced by the gas-phase condensation technique

Abstract

Nanophase (n-) ZrO2 was produced in its pure and partially stabilized form by the gas-phase condensation method. The material was examined by x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering to obtain information on the structural evolution of the material during sintering. Two types of Y2O3-doped ZrO2 nanophase material were made: one by co-deposition of n-Y2O3 and n-ZrO2 in a consecutive manner and the second by mechanically mixing n-Y2O3 and n-ZrO2. We have determined that the co-deposition process is the most effective means of doping the n-ZrO2.