novel , monodispersed , spherical zro 2 particles in the size range of approximately 10 to approximately 600 nm exhibiting metastable tetragonal crystal structure at room temperature and novel methods of preparation . the zro 2 particles are approximately 100 % in the tetragonal phase at room temperature and can be pure and free of foreign oxides . the novel method can include mixing zirconium - alkoxide and an alcohol , forming preparation one , followed by separately dissolving completely de - ionized water and a polymeric steric stabilizer in an alcohol forming preparation two . next the preparations can be mixed with vigorous stirring while subjecting the materials to hydrolysis and condensation reactions with very slow stirring . next , there is waiting for the formation of a sol from the mixture , followed by drying at approximately 80 degrees c . to form resultant material followed by crushing the resultant material .