Dense nanostructured t-ZrO2 coatings at low temperatures via modified emulsion precipitation

Nanostructured coatings on metals, plastics, and textiles have numerous app lications, for example, as antifogging and self-cleaning coatings as well a s protective coatings against corrosion. heat, or wear. Here the preparatio n at low temperature of dense nanostructured tetragonal ZrO2 coatings via a modified emulsion precipitation method is presented. The method, which inv olves the controlled preparation, crystallization. and densification of non -agglomerated ZrO2 nanoparticles, opens up the possibility of applying nano coatings of high-melting oxides to steel or plastic, where low temperatures are required.