Characteristics and sintering behaviour of 3 mol % Y2O3-ZrO2 powders synthesized by reaction in molten salts

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia powders have been synthesized by reaction in molten salts at 450 °C. To obtain a Y2O3-ZrO2 solid solution powder, it was necessary to use yttrium salts (not yttrium oxide directly) in molten NaNO3-KNO3 eutectic. The agglomeration state of the powders depended on their washing conditions. An alcohol-washed powder containing soft agglomerates led to a fine-grained and high-density sintered body.