Formation of Ultrafine Multicomponent ZrO2-Based Powders in an RF Plasma

Several ZrO₂-based multicomponent ceramic powders have been prepared through the oxidation of the respective metal halide vapour mixture in the tail flame of a radio frequency (rf) thermal plasma. The sub-micron powders were found to have structures that were consistent with co-condensation as the liquid phase to form ultrafine droplet solutions and then subsequent solidification to form a variety of metastable phases.