Three Dimensionally Ordered Microstructure of Polycrystalline Zirconia Ceramics with Micro-Porosity

In order to make a highly ordered three-dimensionally macro-porous structure of zirconia ceramics, porogen precursors PMMA beads were prepared by emulsion polymerization using acrylic monomer. The monodisperse PMMA latex beads were closely packed by centrifugation as a porogen template for the infiltration of zirconium acetate solution. The mixed compound of PMMA and zirconium acetate was dried. According to the firing schedule, dry compacts of PMMA and zirconium acetate were calcined at 475 degrees C to obtain micro-, macro-, and meso-structures of polycrystalline zirconia with monodispersed porosity. Inorganic frameworks composed of ZrO2 were formed and showed a three Dimensionally Ordered Microstructure [3DOM] of ZrO2 ceramics. The obtained ZrO2 skeleton was calcined at 710 degrees C. The 3DOM ZrO2 skeleton showed color tuning in solutions such as deionized [DI] H2O and/or methanol. The monodispersed crystalline micro-structure with micro/meso porosity was observed by FE-SEM.