Abstract: A process for the production of nanorods containing a rare earth metal is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (a) increasing the pH of an aqueous solution of the formula MX3, where M is a trivalent rare earth metal cation and X is a monovalent anion so as to produce a reaction product containing X anions in solution and a precipitate in the form of trivalent rare earth hydroxide nanoparticles of the formula M(OH)3, the nanoparticles having a hexagonal crystal structure; and, (b) ageing the nanoparticles of step (a) in the presence of the reaction product containing X anions in solution so as to cause rod-like anisotropic growth of the nanoparticles and form rare earth hydroxide nanorods.

Abstract: A multi-component powder is described for consolidation to form a sinterable green body for a zirconia ceramic. The multi-component powder comprises at least 80% by volume of nano-sized particles of zirconia and up to 20% by volume of a stabilising agent which may form a coating around the nano-sized particles of zirconia and is optionally in particulate form. A multi-component slurry formed by suspending the powder in a liquid is also described as well as a green body formed from either the slurry or the powder. A zirconia ceramic formed by sintering the green body is also described.