Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
Yttrium oxide powders were prepared from water-in-oil type emulsions by loading the yttrium ions into the aqueous phase. Emulsions were characterized with respect to droplet size and distribution, emulsion type, and time and temperature stability. Precursor powders were obtained from the emulsions by evaporation of the aqueous phase in a hot oil bath. Powder characteristics, such as size, shape, composition, and sinterability as a function of procedural variables, were determined. The new technique appears to be practical and may be economically feasible.