Investigation of parameters affecting particle size andmorphology in solution based ceramic powder synthesis

It is necessary to use a protective filter to protect from the potential damage of ultraviolet (UV) rays covering the 100-400 nm wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Due to the harmful effects of chemical protective filters on the skin, the tendency towards physical filters is increasing day by day. Zinc oxide (ZnO), which is globally approved and the only physical protector providing protection against both UVA and UVB, acts as a good UV filter. The use of zinc oxide, which is used as a physical filter, in micron size, creates a whiteness effect due to its high refractive index, causing it does not to be preferred in terms of aesthetics. Although the zinc oxide used in nanoscale provides a transparency effect, it creates difficulties in use due to its high agglomeration tendency and penetration under the skin and creating potential health risk concerns. MicNo® particle technology has been developed to eliminate these negative conditions in micron and nano sizes. This study aims to investigate the process parameters affecting the size and morphology of zinc oxide powders produced by polyol synthesis using MicNo® particle technology. Within the scope of the study, the effects of the process parameters on the final product shape and size were investigated by performing intermittent experiments at different temperatures, times, mixing speeds and solution-zinc ion ratios. All synthesis trials were washed in alcohol media and then dried and sintered at 500oC. Zinc oxide conversion rate was analyzed by XRD before samples were sintered. Morphology images were made with SEM device. Particle sizes were made in the particle size measuring device. In the temperature variable parameter study, it was observed that the rate of conversion of zinc oxide to organometallic complex increased with the increase of temperature. In the experiments performed with the time variable parameter, it was observed that the increase in the waiting time at the synthesis peak temperature also positively affected the conversion rate. Considering the zinc oxide conversion ratio, particle size distribution and particle shape, the appropriate synthesis mixing rate was determined. In addition, it was determined that a narrower particle size distribution was formed by increasing the solution-zinc ion ratio.