Zirconium dioxide prodn. by oxidising zirconium tetrachloride - in plasma discharge with rapid chilling to obtain cubic form

摘要

The oxidn. is carried out at 5,000-7,000 degrees K and the ZnCl4 vapour is diluted 5-8 times with an inert gas (e.g., Ar). The subsequent cooling of the prod. to 400-800 degrees C is performed at a rate of 10 degrees-107 degrees C/sec. ZrO2 is obtd. largely in the cubic form (at least 40%) due to the high cooling rate. The particle size is uniform (0.05-0.07)mm). The prod. is esp. suitable for polishing. Other applications include rocket technology, microelectronics, refractories, optical glasses, catalysts, etc.