INFLUENCE OF ZIRCONIUM SALT PRECURSORS ON THE CRYSTAL-STRUCTURES OF ZIRCONIA

Procedures have been developed for preparing zirconia to yield either tetragonal or monoclinic phases following low (400-600-degrees-C) temperature calcination. The data in this note emphasize the need for paying attention to the precursor zirconium salt in preparing the monoclinic or tetragonal phases. A salt precursor obtained from a supplier at different times may produce different results. Generally, it is more difficult to obtain a precursor that will produce the monoclinic phase than the one that will produce the tetragonal form.