Properties of ZrO2---Al2O3 composite powders prepared from Zr---Al metallo-organic compounds

Zr---Al metallo-organic compounds (zircoaluminates), having (CH₂)₄COOH, (CH₂)₁₂CH₃ and (CH₂)₂NH₂ as the organofunctional groups, were treated preliminary by (1) spray-drying, (2) gelation of addition of 10% NH₄OH aqueous solution followed by spray-drying and (3) rotary evaporation under a reduced pressure. After the treatment they were heated in air to prepare ZrO₂---Al₂O₃ composite powders. The IR and DTA profiles for the treated compounds indicated that the procedures modified the structures for the zircoaluminates. The stability of tetragonal ZrO₂ for the ZrO₂---Al₂O₃ composite powder were dependent on the modification in the structure for the zircoaluminates. Balloon shaped particles, 0.5–2 μm in diameter, were obtained through procedure (1) and spherical particles, 1–4 μm in diameter, through (2). Tetragonal ZrO₂ grains, 0.1–0.2 μm in diameter, were dispersed in the particles when heated at 1400°C.