A number of techniques have evolved over the past several years for the syn
thesis of ceramic nanopowders. At issue in each of these processes is the e
xtent of agglomeration (particle adhesion) and aggregation (particle sinter
ing), the latter referring to clusters of primary particles being cemented
together by inter-particle necks. While it is virtually impossible to elimi
nate agglomeration of pristine nanopowders due to the strong van der Waals
forces of attraction that keep the particles together, aggregation can be r
estricted by controlled powder synthesis. We have optimized a vapor phase s
ynthesis method, called Combustion Flame-Chemical Vapor Condensation (CF-CV
C), which involves pyrolysis of chemical precursors in a low pressure flat
flame. By controlling the time-temperature history of the particles in the
hot zone of the flame, we have produced nanopowders of oxides that have an
average aggregate (secondary particle) size similar to 100 nm, and an avera
ge primary particle size less than 25 nm. (C)1999 Acta Metallurgica Inc.