Crushing of submicron ceramics powders by impulse loading

The attempt is made to change qualitatively the original morphology of subdispersed powder, obtained by plasma chemical method. The powder of stabilized zirconium dioxide, consisting basically of the hollowed spherical particles, was subjected to pulsed loading, according to special program. After explosion effect practically the complete crushing of spherical particles to fragments of characteristic sizes of 0.1 mcm with intercrystalline character of destruction was observed. The conclusion is made, based upon the form of the particles generated, about the abrupt increase of the partial surface and its fractal dimension essential change. The phenomenon noted as well as rised degree of substance particles defects provide the observed abrupt increase of their activity.