Zircon Synthesis via Sintering of Milled SiO2 and ZrO2

The formation of zircon (ZrSiO 4 ) via sintering of milled SiO 2 and ZrO 2 powders was studied, and the effects of slurry vs dry milling, sintering time, and particle size on zircon yield were examined. It was found that very high zircon yields could be obtained via slurry milling, cold pressing, and sintering of the oxide precursors. The controlling factor in determining zircon yield was found to be the particle size of the SiO 2 and ZrO 2 powders. Zircon yield as a function of sintering time was examined, and found to be similar to previous studies in which sol‐gel precursors seeded with zircon were used. SEM studies reveal a homogeneous product with particle sizes on the order of 1–5 µm. It was found that complete reaction to zircon can be achieved from a once‐through milling, pressing, and sintering process of SiO 2 ‐ZrO 2 powders.