Mesoscopic phenomena in oxide nanoparticles systems: processes of growth

Abstract

The process of nanoparticles growth has been investigated and discussed in terms of mesoscopic approach on example of ZrO2–3 mol%Y2O3 system. Growth process of nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation has three stages: cooperative-oriented crystallization of ordered areas in xerogel polymer matrix and disintegration of crystallized areas (350–400 °C); oriented attachment of particles into single crystal caused by electrostatic interaction (400–600 °C); attachment of particles to single and poly-crystals by oxygen diffusion through vacancies in surface layers of joining crystals (600–1,000 °C). Proposed conception on mesoscopic processes of nanoparticles formation make the understanding and theoretical description of significant amount of experimental data possible and open the way for purposeful governing by oxide powder system on the stages of obtaining, compaction, and sintering.