Effect of synthesis on the phases in scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ)

Three wet chemical synthesis methods (Pechini, co-precipitation and sol gel) were used to prepare scandia-stabilized zirconia powders (ScSZ). The pyrolytic decomposition behaviors of the as-dried powders were examined using TGA and DTA. All powders fully decomposed at 600degreesC. The phase structures of the as-calcined and further-annealed powders are identified using XRD. It is found that the phases in ScSZ are highly dependent on the synthesis method and the annealing temperature. Pechini and co-precipitation powders have both the cubic and the tetragonal phases even after annealing at 1600degreesC. The sol-gel powder has the single cubic phase structure when the annealing temperature is higher than 1400degreesC.