Agglomerate control in the complexing sol-gel process
(State Key Laboratory for Powder Metallurgy; Central South University of Technology; Changsha 410083; P. R. China)
Abstract: Nanometer ZrO2 - 8% Y2O3 (mole fraction, % ) powders were prepared by the EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) sol-gel process. Effects of the addition of ethylene glycol on agglomerate control was investigated. The results showed that because of the replacement of hydrogen bonds with ethylene glycol in the polymerized gel, gel stabilization and homogeneity were improved and close approach of gel particles was prevented, which led to reduction of hard agglomerates to some extent. Calcined at 4OO t for 2 h and 700 C for 2 h, the powders had a specific surface area of 35 m2/g, average particle size of 28 nm, and median particle size (d50) of 0. 44um with very sharp distribution, mostly being soft agglomerates.
Key words: complexing; EDTA; sol-gel process; ZrO_2 (Y_2O_3); agglomeration