Energy-dependent in-situ small-angle x-ray scattering study of nano-ceramics

R Winter, D Le Messurier, CM Martin; Cryst Rev 12 (2006) 3 Sponsorship: EPSRC, CCLRC, Pilkington

Energy-dependent small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements near the Zr-K absorption edge of a nano-scale alumina-zirconia-silicate ceramic are reported. The in-situ experiments cover the temperature range from 250C to 725C, during which the sol-gel prepared nano-particles consolidate and the glass matrix phase begins to soften, leading to a compaction of the ceramic. The dominant scattering mechanism changes from a surface-fractal type to a mass-fractal type linked to direct contact areas between nano-particles and matrix. The energy-dependent data identify the zirconium-bearing phase as dominant in the high-q range. The experimental data are placed in the context of recent advances in in-situ anomalous small-angle x-ray scattering (ASAXS) and some experimental problems and solutions of near-edge scattering are discussed.

Non peer reviewed