Both CaZr0.9In0.1O3-alpha ceramics and ceramic nanopowders are synthesized
starting from a co-precipate formed using a wet-chemical co-precipitation m
ethod. The XRD-results confirm that CaZrO3 and CaIn2O4 phases exist after t
he co-precipitates are calcined at 1273 K for 3 h in air. The CaIn2O4 phase
disappears after calcining the powder twice at 1823 K for 10 h in air with
the formation of the CaZr0.9In0.1 O3-alpha phase. The XRD pattern of the c
eramic powders is the same as that of sintered CaZr0.9In0.1O3-alpha ceramic
s (1823 K for 10 h in air). Scanning electron microscopy shows that the cer
amic powders calcined at 1273 Kfor 3 h are nano-sized powders. After sinter
ing at 1823 K for 10 h, the grain-size increases dramantically. EDX results
indicate that the Ca:Zr: In; ratio in the co-precipitates is close to the
theoretical value. The ratio of Ca:In decreases with increasing calcining o
r sintering temperature. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Limited. Al
l rights reserved.