Synthesis of the Orthorhombic Phase of ZrO2

Abstract

Single‐phase orthorhombic ZrO2 was prepared by quenching from high temperature and high pressure. The lattice parameters are a0=0.5042, b0=0.5092, and c0=0.5257 nm; the calculated density is 6.09 Mg·m−3. This phase is metastable under atmospheric pressure and reverts to the monoclinic phase either on heating above 300°C or when it is ground in a mortar.