Microstructural investigations on zirconium oxide-carbon nanotube composites synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization

Zirconium oxide (ZrO2)/carbon nanotube composites were prepared by hydrothermal crystallization at 200 degreesC for 8 h of zirconium hydroxide [(Zr(OH)(4)nH(2)O; n = 8-16] in the presence of carbon nanotubes. The hydrothermal crystallization of zirconium oxide, under autoclave conditions, occurred on the walls of the tubes. The process yielded a homogeneous composite powder consisting of microcrystalline ZrO2 and multi-walled nanotubes, hence representing an alternative route for the synthesis of ceramic-nanotube composites. Microstructural and qualitative characterizations were performed using different electron microscopy techniques. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.