Synthesis of Alumina-Zirconia Nanocomposites by Solgel Process

Al₂O₃-ZrO₂ nanocomposites were developed starting with the solgel process. Composite alumina-zirconia nanopowders were synthesized from metallorganic precursors (Aluminium secondary butoxide and zirconium Iso propoxide) using the solgel process. The parameters affecting the synthesis—solvent, concentration of precursor, R/H ratio (i.e., dilution of water in solvent)—were varied as also the temperature and pH. BET and TEM were used to measure nanosize. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and also qualitative optical absorption led to identical particle size estimate. The variation of process parameters was used to study the effect and interdependence of process parameters. Artificial Neural Networks was used to rigorously analyze the process. Although this led to confirmation of interdependence of parameters, the presence of a single overwhelming solvent variable was also established. Then the optimal process was used to synthesize more nanopowder. To produce bulk nanocomposite the nanopowders were sintered by varying the temperature and time period. The sintered lithoids were probed with a vickers hardness tester to measure elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness. The results showed high elastic modulus, modest hardness, and very high fracture toughness.