Material Overview
Zirconia (ZrO₂) is a versatile advanced ceramic known for its exceptional mechanical strength, fracture toughness, and biocompatibility. Stabilized with oxides like yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, it exists in multiple phases (monoclinic, tetragonal, cubic), enabling applications in aerospace, medical implants, industrial machinery, and dental prosthetics. Among them, yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and magnesium oxide partially stabilized zirconia (MSZ) are the most common. With unique phase transformation toughening mechanism enhances crack resistance, zirconia ceramic is also called “ceramic steel” for high-stress environments application.
Technical Specifications
| Property | YSZ | MSZ |
| Density | 6.0 g/cm³ | 5.72 g/cm³ |
| Flexural Strength | 800 MPa | 750 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 200 | 200 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 3 | 2.2 |
| Max. service temperature (℃) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) | 9 | 9.4 |
Zirconia can be processed relatively easily into complex geometries in the green state. Once fully sintered, it needs to be machined/grinded using diamond tools.The product forms of zirconia ceramics are mainly zirconia substrates, zirconia plates, and zirconia structural parts. The following products show some of its uses in more product forms.
Key Features
- Ultra-High Strength: Flexural strength up to 800 MPa, surpassing alumina and lithium disilicate.
- Thermal Stability: Operates continuously at 1,500°C (air) and 2,500°C (inert atmospheres).
- Wear Resistance: Vickers hardness of 1,070–1,230 HV, ideal for abrasive environments like mining pumps.
- Biocompatibility: FDA-approved for dental crowns and hip implants, with minimal bacterial adhesion.
Applications
- High-stress mechanical parts: Replace metal in non-lubricated, high-temperature or corrosive media (such as chemical pumps) to reduce friction and failure risks.
- High temperature/corrosive environment: Maintain stability in strong acid, strong alkali or high temperature gas to extend the life of the equipment.
- Electrochemical devices: Used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), oxygen sensors, etc.
Hardness performance:
The Mohs hardness of zirconia ceramics is about 8.5-9, which is close to alumina ceramics (9) and much higher than ordinary steel (5-6). Its high hardness makes it scratch-resistant and wear-resistant, suitable for high-wear scenarios such as cutting tools and bearings.
Cracking resistance:
Thanks to the phase transformation toughening mechanism, the fracture toughness of zirconia (6.5-11 MPa·m¹/²) is 2 times that of alumina ceramics (4-5 MPa·m¹/²), and it is not easy to break.
We support customization to meet diverse needs:
1. Size customization – Precision machining: After sintering, it can be processed into complex shapes through CNC, grinding, laser cutting and other processes, with a tolerance of up to ±0.01mm.
2. Surface treatment – Polishing: Mirror polishing (Ra 0.1μm) is used for optical components or sealing surfaces.
- Pharmaceuticals: Zirconia plunger pumps resist acids (e.g., HCl) and alkalis, ensuring zero drug contamination during liquid filling.
- Energy: Solid oxide fuel cells use cubic zirconia electrolytes for oxygen ion conduction at 800°C.
- Semiconductors: Zirconia crucibles handle molten silicon without reactivity, critical for wafer production.