AN EXAFS STUDY OF THE LOCAL-STRUCTURE AROUND ZR ATOMS IN Y2O3-STABILIZED ZRO2 BY THE SOL-GEL METHOD

The sol-gel synthesis of ZrO2.Y2O3 (3%) and ZrO2.Y2O3 (30%), using tet ramethoxyzirconium and trimethoxyyttrium as suitable precursors, is re ported. The transformation of the ZrO2.Y2O3 (3%) gel by heat treatment s has been studied by X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The structure around Zr atoms indicates t hat the transition from the gel to a tetragonal stabilized phase at 10 00 degrees C is continuous at a local level without the occurrence of monoclinic or cubic phases.