Phase composition and defect substructure of the zirconia nanopowder modified by the powerful ultrasonic action

Abstract. Commercial nanopowder of the partially yttrium-stabilized zirconia (ZrO2+3 mol.% Y2O3) was treated by the non-cavitational powerful ultrasonic action (PUA). Influence of PUA on the microstructure and phase composition of the powder has been investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Investigated powder before and after PUA has polycrystalline structure. It was found that TZ-3YS particles after PU-treatment have tetragonal and cubic zirconia phases; some of the particles consist of a mixture of monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic phases, but these particles have substructure with random orientation of fragments.