Category: Zirconia

Unraveling the Distinctions: Zircon, Zirconia, and Zirconium

Introduction:

Zircon, zirconia, and zirconium constitute a family of materials. Each of them has distinct properties and widespread applications. This exploration delves into their individual characteristics, applications, and pivotal roles across diverse industries and highlights their collective impact on modern technology and manufacturing. Hope that you can have a deep understanding.

Zircon:

Zircon is primarily composed of zirconium silicate. It boasts exceptional durability, heat resistance, and chemical inertness. Its applications span ceramics, refractories, and the production of zirconium compounds, serving as a foundational material in various sectors.

Zircon [1]

Zirconia (Zirconium Dioxide):

Zirconia is derived from zircon. It is also known as zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). ZrO2 exhibits remarkable strength, and thermal resistance, and finds widespread use in ceramics, and dental prosthetics. It serves as a refractory material across high-temperature industries as well.

Industrial Grade Zirconia Powder

Zirconium:

Zirconium is an elemental metal extracted from zircon mineral sands. It showcases high corrosion resistance, low thermal neutron absorption, and compatibility with human tissues. Its uses extend to nuclear reactors, aerospace applications, and medical implants due to its exceptional properties.

Individual Significance and Applications:

Let’s continue with an extended breakdown of the individual characteristics of Zircon, Zirconia, and Zirconium. They have diverse attributes and pivotal roles across multiple industries, technological advancements, and materials science innovations.

1. Zircon’s Diverse Uses:

  • Durability and Refractory Applications: Zircon’s resilience lends itself to manufacturing high-temperature ceramics, refractory materials, and foundry sands.
  • Nuclear Industry: It is crucial in nuclear reactors because it has resistance to radiation and low thermal neutron absorption properties.

2. Applications of Zirconia:

  • Mechanical Strength: Zirconia comes with strength and toughness. These properties render it valuable in dental prosthetics, engineering ceramics, and high-performance applications like ceramic knives.
  • Biomedical Implants: Its biocompatibility makes it ideal for medical implants, especially in orthopedics and dental surgeries.

3. Zirconium’s Diverse Uses:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Zirconium’s resistance to corrosion finds application in chemical processing equipment, aerospace components, and nuclear reactors.
  • Biomedical Compatibility: This feature makes it a sought-after material for medical implants and prosthetics.

Other Compounds of Zirconium:

Zirconium also forms a myriad of compounds. Each of them comes with distinct properties and applications. Some notable compounds beyond zirconium dioxide (zirconia) include:

1.    Zirconium Tetrachloride (ZrCl4):

Zirconium tetrachloride is a key precursor in zirconium chemistry. It serves as a vital reagent in various chemical processes. This compound’s role extends to catalysts and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). It also serves as a reagent in the production of other zirconium compounds. All these uses mark its importance in industrial applications and research endeavors.

2.    Zirconium Nitride (ZrN):

Zirconium nitride stands out for its impressive hardness, wear resistance, and golden appearance. So, it is used as a protective coating in the manufacturing of cutting tools. You can also find it as decorative coatings. It is also useful in the aerospace industry. Its ability to enhance the surface properties of materials contributes significantly to the durability and performance of various products.

3.    Zirconium Hydroxide (Zr(OH)4):

Zirconium hydroxide is valued for its adsorption properties and chemical stability. It finds utility in water purification, catalysts, and as a precursor in the production of other zirconium compounds. Its role in environmental applications underscores its significance in addressing purification challenges.

Conclusion:

Zircon, zirconia, and zirconium form a trinity of materials. Each of them has distinct attributes and versatile applications. Their collective impact spans industries and drives innovation and advancements in ceramics, nuclear technology, medical sciences, and beyond. They are shaping the landscape of modern technology and paving the way for future developments.

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) now offers an extensive range of Zirconium products. Some of the Zirconium products available include zirconium metals, zirconium compounds, etc. Customized order is also welcome. Please contact for more information.

 

 

Reference:

[1] Zircon. (2023, November 22). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zircon

Zirconium’s Biocompatibility and Medical Applications

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical innovation, zirconium emerges as an unsung hero with unique biocompatibility. This article explores the profound impact of zirconium’s biocompatibility on the realm of medical applications. Hope that you can have a deeper understanding of zirconium’s properties and medical uses.

Zirconium’s Biocompatibility

Most importantly, zirconium has become an ideal choice in medical science for its remarkable biocompatibility. That is to say, zirconium can coexist with living tissues without triggering adverse reactions or causing harm.

Zirconium Foils

Zr also exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and a variety of impressive features.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Zirconium and its alloys exhibit great corrosion resistance. Such resistance prevents the material from degrading in the body’s corrosive environment. It also ensures the implant’s structural integrity over time.
  • Inertness: Zr does not with bodily fluids and tissues. This inertness reduces the risk of adverse reactions such as inflammation or rejection.
  • Low Allergic Risks: Besides, zirconium is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to other metals.
  • Aesthetic Benefits: Zirconium products in dentistry offer aesthetic advantages. These products can mimic the natural appearance of teeth. They can provide patients with aesthetically pleasing dental restorations as well.
  • Versatile Processing: Zr’s versatility in processing allows for the fabrication of complex shapes and structures. This flexibility in manufacturing enables the creation of tailored implants that suit individual patient needs.

Medical Applications

Zirconium possesses remarkable biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and resistance to corrosion. Therefore, it has become a prime candidate for various medical applications.

Zirconium in Medical Implants

Medical Implants [1]
  1. Dental Implants:

The primary use of zirconium is in medical implants, especially in dental implants.

First, Zr stands out for corrosion resistance. Second, it does not have a metallic taste. These features make it an appealing alternative to traditional metal-based dental materials. Moreover, zirconium implants have a reduced risk of allergic reactions.

  1. Orthopedic Implants:

Beyond dentistry, zirconium-based orthopedic implants have also carved a niche.

This material reduces the risk of adverse reactions and facilitates better integration with bone tissues. This significantly improves patient outcomes in orthopedic surgeries. And it offers a sturdy yet biologically compatible solution for joint replacements and bone repairs.

Zirconium in Medical Instruments

Zirconium’s biocompatibility extends beyond implants to medical instruments and devices.

The Zirconium is non-reactive with body tissues. So it is an attractive choice for surgical instruments. Zirconium-based instruments offer durability and sterilization compatibility. Meanwhile, these products minimize the risks of tissue irritation or inflammation during medical procedures.

Exploring Biocompatible Zirconium Coatings

Innovations in biomedical engineering have led to the exploration of zirconium coatings on implants and medical devices. These coatings with biocompatibility serve as protective layers. Such coatings reduce wear and corrosion on implants while promoting better integration with surrounding tissues.

Zirconium’s Role in Biomedical Research

Zr plays a pivotal role in medical research and diagnostics as well. It serves as a contrast agent or imaging agent in medical imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans. Zirconium-based contrast agents offer enhanced imaging quality while ensuring minimal interference with the body’s physiological processes.

Conclusion

In a word, zirconium’s inherent biocompatibility unveils a world of possibilities in medical applications. Such applications range from implants to instruments and diagnostic tools. As research and innovation continue to unfold, with biocompatibility, zirconium is going to unveil safer, more durable, and more effective medical solutions.

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) is a leading supplier of top-grade zirconium rods, plates, powders, and other quality zirconium products. We also offer exceptional customer service and offer customized products. Send us an inquiry if you are interested.

 

 

Reference:

[1] D. M. K. (2014). 3D Printing in Medicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780081007174/3d-printing-in-medicine

Zirconium Oxide Ceramic Insulators for Electronics

Developing zirconium oxide ceramic insulators as an alternative to conventional insulating materials in electronics has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Zirconium oxide, with its high dielectric constant and excellent thermal stability, presents a promising option for various electrical components, including capacitors and resistors. This innovation could lead to smaller and more efficient electronic devices with improved performance.

The Need for Advanced Insulating Materials

As electronic devices become increasingly compact and powerful, the demand for high-performance insulating materials continues to rise. Traditional insulators, such as plastics or glass, often have limitations in terms of their electrical properties, thermal stability, and size constraints. This necessitates the exploration of alternative materials that can meet the evolving needs of the electronics industry.

Zirconium Oxide Ceramic as an Ideal Insulating Material

Zirconium oxide ceramic offers several advantages that make it an ideal choice for insulating materials in electronics:

  • High Dielectric Constant: Zirconium oxide ceramic exhibits a high dielectric constant, meaning it can store and release electrical energy efficiently. This property is crucial for capacitors, which rely on the ability to store and discharge charge rapidly. By using zirconium oxide ceramic as an insulating material in capacitors, their overall performance and energy storage capabilities can be significantly enhanced.
  • Excellent Thermal Stability: Electronic components generate heat during operation, and maintaining stable temperatures is vital for their longevity and performance. Zirconium oxide ceramic possesses excellent thermal stability, allowing it to withstand high temperatures without degradation. This property makes it an ideal choice for insulating materials, ensuring the reliable operation of electronic devices even under demanding thermal conditions.
  • Size Reduction and Efficiency: Zirconium oxide ceramic insulators enable the design of smaller electronic devices due to their higher dielectric constant. With smaller insulators, components can be packed more densely, leading to reduced device size and improved energy efficiency. This can have significant implications for portable devices, wearables, and other miniaturized electronics.

Advancements in Electronics with Zirconium Oxide Ceramic Insulators

The integration of zirconium oxide ceramic insulators in electronics can unlock several benefits:

  • Improved Electrical Performance: The high dielectric constant of zirconium oxide ceramic allows for enhanced electrical performance, enabling faster signal transmission, improved energy efficiency, and reduced power losses. This can lead to more reliable and high-performing electronic devices in various applications, including telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automotive systems.
  • Enhanced Miniaturization: The use of zirconium oxide ceramic insulators can enable the development of smaller electronic devices without sacrificing functionality. By reducing the size of insulating components, manufacturers can create compact and lightweight products while maintaining or even improving overall performance.
  • Thermal Management: Zirconium oxide ceramic’s excellent thermal stability helps dissipate heat generated by electronic components, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring reliable operation. This is particularly beneficial in high-power applications, such as power electronics and electric vehicles, where efficient heat dissipation is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of the devices.

Conclusion

Zirconium oxide ceramic insulators have the potential to transform the field of electronics by offering an alternative to conventional insulating materials. With their high dielectric constant, excellent thermal stability, and potential for size reduction, zirconium oxide ceramic insulators can enable the development of smaller and more efficient electronic devices with improved performance. As research and development in this area continue, we can expect to witness exciting advancements in various industries, paving the way for a future of highly optimized and advanced electronic technologies.

For more information about zirconia ceramic products, such as ZrO2 powder, tube, and rod, please visit https://www.samaterials.com/.

Advancing Biomedical Engineering with Zirconium Oxide Ceramic Joint Replacements

Introduction

In recent years, biomedical engineering has witnessed remarkable advancements, particularly in the development of joint replacements. As the global population ages, the demand for reliable, long-lasting, and biocompatible solutions for joint problems increases. One material that has gained significant attention in this domain is zirconium oxide ceramic. Its exceptional properties make it a promising candidate for joint replacement applications, offering potential improvements in both functionality and longevity. In this article, we will explore how zirconium oxide ceramic is revolutionizing joint replacements and enhancing the lives of patients worldwide.

The Need for Superior Joint Replacements

Joint replacements, such as hip and knee prosthetics, have transformed the lives of millions, restoring mobility and reducing pain for those suffering from joint-related conditions like osteoarthritis. However, traditional joint replacements often utilize materials like metal alloys or polymers, which may present certain challenges.

Metal implants, typically made from materials like titanium, have been widely used for joint replacements due to their strength and durability. However, they can cause complications in some patients due to metal sensitivity or allergies. Additionally, over time, metal implants may undergo wear and corrosion, potentially leading to inflammation and discomfort.

On the other hand, polymer-based joint replacements might not offer the desired longevity and wear resistance needed for active individuals or those with higher physical demands. This is where zirconium oxide ceramic emerges as an intriguing alternative.

Zirconium Oxide Ceramic in Joint Replacements

Zirconium oxide ceramic is a ceramic material with exceptional properties that make it an ideal candidate for joint replacements. The material’s high strength, biocompatibility, and low friction coefficient set it apart from traditional options. When used in joint replacements, zirconium oxide ceramic provides numerous benefits:

  • Biocompatibility: Zirconium oxide ceramic is non-toxic and biocompatible, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions in the human body. This characteristic makes it suitable for a wide range of patients, including those with metal allergies or sensitivities.
  • Wear Resistance: Zirconium oxide ceramic exhibits remarkable wear resistance, significantly reducing the degradation of the implant over time. This leads to longer-lasting joint replacements, potentially sparing patients from undergoing revision surgeries.
  • Low Friction: The material’s low friction coefficient ensures smooth and fluid movement between the articulating surfaces of the joint. This not only enhances the overall functionality of the implant but also reduces the generation of wear particles, contributing to improved long-term outcomes.
  • Aesthetics: Zirconium oxide ceramic has a white, tooth-colored appearance that closely resembles natural bone. As a result, joint replacements made from this material offer a more visually appealing solution compared to traditional metal implants, which can be especially significant for younger patients or those concerned about aesthetics.

Clinical Impact and Future Prospects

Zirconium oxide ceramic joint replacements have already shown promising results in clinical trials and real-world applications. Patients who have received zirconium oxide ceramic implants have reported reduced pain, improved joint function, and increased satisfaction with the appearance of the implant.

However, as with any emerging technology, there are challenges to address. Manufacturing zirconium oxide ceramic implants with precision and consistency is one such hurdle. Researchers and engineers continue to work on refining the fabrication techniques to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of fractures or other complications.

Conclusion

The integration of zirconium oxide ceramic in joint replacements marks a significant milestone in the field of biomedical engineering. With its biocompatibility, wear resistance, and low friction coefficient, zirconium oxide ceramic has the potential to revolutionize joint replacement procedures and offer patients a more reliable and long-lasting solution. As research and technology progress, we can anticipate further improvements in the design and manufacturing of zirconium oxide ceramic implants, paving the way for enhanced mobility and improved quality of life for individuals worldwide.

For more information about zirconia ceramic products, such as ZrO2 powder, tube, and rod, please visit https://www.samaterials.com/.

3 Manufacturing Methods of Zirconium-containing Refractories

What is Zirconium-containing Refractory Material?

Zirconium-containing refractory materials are made of zirconia (ZrO2) and zircon (ZrSiO4) as raw materials. “Zirconium-containing” usually refers to materials containing the following zirconium products: zirconia, zircon, zirconium mullite and zirconium corundum. Zirconium-containing products have good corrosion resistance to various molten metals, acidic reagents and liquid glass.

Zirconium-containing refractory materials can be divided into the sintered, fused cast, and non-fired products based on different manufacturing methods.

What are the Different Manufacturing Methods?

Sintered Zr-Containing Refractory Product

The basic steps to manufacture zirconium-containing sintered bricks are to prepare raw materials, press green bodies, and sinter at high temperatures.

Another method is to obtain blanks by granulation, kneading, machine pressing or extrusion molding, and the clinker fired at high temperature is used as aggregate, and the clinker fine powder is used for batching, kneading, molding, drying, and sintering to finally obtain the finished product.

Cast Zr-Containing Refractory Product

1) Use zircon concentrate or industrial zirconia and industrial alumina powder as raw materials.

2) Add sodium oxide, calcium oxide, boron oxide and rare earth metal oxides as additives.

3) The powder is melted at a temperature above 2500°C by means of electric arc melting, cast in a mold, cooled, annealed, and machined.

Non-fired Zr-Containing Refractory Product

The manufacturing process of zirconium-containing refractory products without firing is simple, and the product qualification rate is high.

1) Use stabilized zirconia clinker or zircon as raw material.

2) Use water glass, phosphoric acid, phosphate, or sulfate as the cementing agent.

3) Mix the raw materials and cementing agents, and undergo high-pressure molding and low-temperature heat treatment to make zirconium-containing non-fired materials.

The heat treatment temperature varies with different binders. When aluminum dihydrogen phosphate is used as the cement, the heat treatment temperature is about 300°C; when phosphoric acid is used as the cement, the heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of about 600°C.

What Are These Products Used for?

Zirconium-containing refractory products can be widely used in metallurgy, building materials, the chemical industry, machinery and other professional fields due to their high refractoriness, mechanical strength and chemical stability.

  • Zirconia bricks can be used in thermal equipment in the building materials industry and metallurgical industry, such as billet continuous casting sizing nozzles, submerged nozzles and slag lines in long nozzles.
  • Zircon bricks are resistant to low-alkali glass corrosion. They can be used for the kiln wall of the glass melting furnace, as well as the arch feet of the upper structure of the glass melting furnace or the intermediate transition layer between silica bricks and corundum bricks.
  • Zirconia-mullite fused cast bricks can be used in heating furnaces, soaking furnaces in the metallurgical industry, glass melting furnaces in the building materials industry, etc.
  • Zirconium corundum bricks have good resistance to melt erosion. As a high-grade abrasive, it has a good grinding effect on steel, cast iron, heat-resistant steel, and various alloy materials.

If you want to know more about zirconium material, we would like to advise you to visit Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) for more information.

 

10 Common Zirconium Products and Their Applications

1. Zirconium Silicate

Zirconium silicate is an important variety in traditional zirconium products. The product is made of zircon sand, which can be obtained after grinding, calcining and powdering. It is a high-quality and cheap opacifying agent for ceramic glazes.

Zirconium silicate is mainly used for color glazes of architectural ceramics, daily-use ceramics and electric porcelain. It is also widely used in high-grade refractory materials, precision casting, emulsified glass and other industries.

2. Zirconium Carbonate

Zirconium carbonate is a source of zirconium that is insoluble in water but is easily transformed into other zirconium compounds. It is mainly used as an additive for cosmetics, waterproofing agent, flame retardant, opacifying agent, and surface aid for fibers and paper, and can also be used to prepare zirconium-cerium composite catalytic materials. It is an important raw material in the textile, papermaking, paint, and cosmetic industries, and its consumption has been increasing in recent years.

3. Zirconium Oxychloride

Zirconium oxychloride is the main raw material for the production of other zirconium products such as zirconium dioxide, zirconium carbonate, zirconium sulfate, composite zirconium oxide, and the separation of zirconium and hafnium to prepare metal zirconium and hafnium. In addition, it can be used in textiles, leather, rubber additives, metal surface treatment agents, paint drying agents, refractory materials, ceramics, catalysts, fire retardants, and other products. The primary source material for zirconium oxychloride is zircon sand.

4. Fused Zirconia

Fused zirconia is mainly used in the production of glazes and refractory materials. Due to the high content of impurities in fused zirconium, its use is sometimes limited.

5. Zirconium Sulfate

Zirconium sulfate is an intermediate raw material for the production of zirconium chemicals and metal zirconium and hafnium. It is also an important raw material for the production of leather tanning agents, wool treatment agents and paint surface oxidants. Additionally, it can be used as a catalyst carrier, amino acid and protein, precipitant and deodorant.

Consumption Structure of Zirconium Products
Consumption Structure of Zirconium Products

6. Zirconium Dioxide

Zirconium dioxide, or zirconia, is a non-toxic, odorless white solid. It has sufficient stability in alkaline solutions and many acidic solutions. ZrO2 ceramic is suitable for precision ceramics, electronic ceramics, optical lenses, glass additives, electrolytic zirconia bricks, ceramic pigments, enamel, artificial gemstones, refractory materials, grinding and polishing and other industries and products.

7. Composite Zirconia

Composite zirconia, referring to stabilized zirconia, is a non-toxic, odorless white powder. It has stable chemical properties and controllable specific surface area. It is the basic raw material for the manufacture of various special ceramics, advanced refractory materials, optical communication devices, and new energy materials.

8. Nuclear Grade Zirconium

Nuclear-grade zirconium is mainly used as the structural material of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and civil power reactors, and the cladding of uranium fuel elements. It is an important strategic metal.

9. Industrial Grade Zirconium

Industrial-grade zirconium is mainly used in the production of chemical acid and alkali-resistant equipment, the military industry, the electronics industry, pipeline valve materials, special high-strength, and high-temperature alloy materials, and getters for electric vacuum and lighting bulb industries.

10. Metallurgical Grade Zirconium

Metallurgical grade zirconium is used as a firearms sponge zirconium combustion agent and is also suitable for alloy additives and metallurgical deoxidizers, the chemical industry, civilian flash fireworks, etc.

 

Comparison of zirconia ceramic teeth and metal ceramic teeth

Broken or missing teeth usually require fillings. The two conventional options are zirconia ceramic teeth and metal-ceramic teeth. This article will analyze the difference between the two and help those in need to choose the one that suits them.

Metal ceramic teeth

Metal-ceramic crowns are accepted by most patients because of their good strength, but they have many disadvantages. The metal substrate is easily oxidized to form gray oxides, which are scattered and deposited on the edge of the gums, causing the gums to turn gray and affecting the appearance; at the same time, metal porcelain teeth may have a strong stimulating effect on the gums, and even cause gum swelling, bleeding, allergies and other symptoms; the color of the metal-ceramic crown should be covered with opaque porcelain, so that the ceramic crown can block the light to a certain extent, thus affecting the aesthetics of the teeth.

Zirconia all-ceramic teeth

At present, there are many types of all-ceramic dental materials, such as leucite, lithium-based porcelain, alumina, zirconia, etc. There are also a variety of fabrication methods, such as infiltrated ceramics, hot pressure casting ceramics, porcelain deposition, computer-aided design, and computer-aided fabrication. In comparison, among all all-ceramic restoration materials, zirconia material has higher flexural strength, so it is accepted by more and more patients and doctors.

Dental porcelain
Dental porcelain. Source: Wikipedia

Zirconium dioxide all-ceramic crown has its own unique advantages. Since there is no metal bottom crown, its restoration has permeability and aesthetics, which provides a guarantee for aesthetic restoration. At the same time, zirconium dioxide has strong biocompatibility and is non-irritating to the gums. Most patients will not experience symptoms such as gum swelling, bleeding, and allergies, which meet the clinical requirements.

Advantages of zirconium dioxide

(1) Good mechanical properties: it has a flexural strength greater than 900MPa, so it can also be used for the repair of posterior teeth and porcelain bridges with more than 6 units.

(2) Good biocompatibility: The zirconia all-ceramic crown itself does not contain metal, which can exclude metal allergic reactions; zirconia also has good biocompatibility.

(3) No obstruction to X-rays: There is no need to remove the dentures when performing cranial X-rays, CT, and MRI examinations, because zirconia ceramic teeth have no obstruction to X-rays.

(4) Good strength and density: Zirconium dioxide is widely used, especially in high-precision instruments, such as aviation equipment. Because of its good crack resistance and tough curing after cracking, it can be made into a porcelain bridge with more than 6 units, and it can also solve the problem that the all-ceramic system cannot be used as a long bridge.

(5) The color is comparable to real teeth: the color of the base crown of the ceramic is white, so the neck of the porcelain tooth will not become black and darkened for a period of time after the porcelain tooth is inserted, thus avoiding the problem of discoloration of the metal porcelain crown.

(6) Healthy biological material: Zirconium dioxide is an excellent high-tech biological material with good biocompatibility, which is healthy and safe to use.

(7) High-tech quality: Zirconium dioxide ceramic teeth are made by good computer-aided design, laser scanning, and then controlled by computer-aided program grinding.

Hopefully, the above analysis will help you a lot in making your choice between metal ceramic teeth and ceramic teeth.

What are Zirconium Containing Refractory Materials?

Description of zirconium-containing refractory products

Zirconium-containing refractory products refer to refractory products made of zirconia (ZrO2) and zircon (ZrSiO4) as raw materials, including zirconia products, zircon products, zirconium mullite, and zirconium corundum products. According to different production processes, zirconium-containing refractory products are divided into sintered products, fused cast products, and non-fired products. Zirconium-containing refractory products have the characteristics of high melting point, low thermal conductivity, and good chemical stability, especially good corrosion resistance to molten glass and liquid metal.

Properties of zirconium-containing refractory products

Dense, stabilized zirconia has a melting point of 2677°C and a service temperature of 2500°C. The bulk density fluctuates between 4.5 and 5.5 g/cm3 due to the purity of the raw materials and the different manufacturing methods. The bulk density of dense zirconia products can reach 5.75g/cm3. Sintered zirconia products do not chemically react with molten metal and liquid glass. Caustic alkali solutions, carbonate solutions, and acids (except concentrated H2SO4 and HF) do not chemically react to zirconia. When carbon reacts with sintered zirconia, zirconium carbide is formed only on the surface. Therefore, under the condition of oxidizing atmosphere, zirconia products can be used at high temperatures without chemical change.

The main component of zircon products is ZrO2•SiO. Zircon is decomposed into ZrO2 and SiO when heated at 1680℃. Quartz stone products have good corrosion resistance to various molten metals, acidic reagents, and liquid glass, but they are prone to erosion reactions when they come into contact with alkaline slag or alkaline refractory materials. Aluminum-zirconium-silicon (AZS) cast bricks and fired bricks have good resistance to glass liquid erosion, and can be used in the pool wall and upper structure of glass melting pool kilns.

zirconium-containing refractory products     

Uses of zirconium-containing refractory products

Zirconium-containing refractory products have high refractoriness, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. It can be widely used in metallurgy, building materials, the chemical industry, machinery, and other professional fields.

Zircon bricks have good resistance to acid slag, small corrosion loss, and slight sticking of slag. They can be used in the slag line of the ladle and have a long service life. Zircon products can also be used as continuous-casting intermediate tank base bricks, cushion bricks, and nozzle bricks. Zircon bricks are corrosion-resistant to low alkali glass and can be used in the kiln walls of glass-melting furnaces. It can also be used for the arch foot of the upper structure of the glass melting furnace or the intermediate transition layer between the silica brick and the corundum brick and is also an important material for the comprehensive masonry bottom.

Zirconia bricks can be used in thermal equipment for the building materials industry and metallurgical industry, such as sizing nozzles for billet continuous casting, submerged nozzles, and slag lines in long nozzles.

Fused-cast bricks with a ZrO2 content of more than 90% can be used for side walls, partition walls and flow holes of borosilicate glass melting furnaces and aluminosilicate glass melting furnaces. AZS-fired bricks and fused cast bricks can be used in soda-lime glass melting kilns, such as flow holes and side walls. The use of this brick to build liquid flow holes and side walls can reduce the contamination of glass liquid by refractory materials. In addition, zirconium mullite fused cast bricks can be used in the metallurgical industry heating furnaces, soaking furnaces, glass melting furnaces in the building materials industry, etc.

For more information, please visit https://www.samaterials.com/.

Two Surface Treatment Technologies for Zirconium Materials

The surface of the zirconium rod and zirconium alloy must be clean and smooth before joining, heat treatment, electroplating and forming. This article introduces 2 types of surface treatment methods for zirconium materials.

  1. Surface decontamination

Grease, oil, and lubricants produced during zirconium machining or other processing can be removed in a number of ways. Commonly used cleaning methods are

1) cleaning with alkaline or milky detergent in a soaking tank;

2) cleaning with ultrasonic vibration;

3) rinsing with acetone or trichloroethylene or steam degreasing and

4) cleaning with other cleaning agents.

Small stains can also be removed by hand wiping with some solvents such as acetone, alcohol, trichloroethylene, or a trichloroethylene substitute. In the electrolyte system, if the voltage and current can be controlled to avoid anodic polarization or spark discharge and pitting, positive or negative polarity decontamination can be used. Before heat treatment and bonding, the surface of the zirconium material must be cleaned to prevent metal contamination and the resulting deterioration of ductility.

Surface Treatment Technologies for Zirconium Materials

  1. Blast cleaning

Mechanical decontamination methods such as sandblasting, shot blasting, and evaporative cleaning can remove dirt and lubricants from zirconium and hafnium surfaces. Alumina, silicon carbide, silica and steel grit are ideal media for mechanical decontamination. The decontamination medium used should be replaced regularly to avoid increased workload due to particle passivation.

Grinding or shot peening may cause residual compressive stress and thermal deformation on the surface of the material, especially the surface of the sheet. Hot deformation may also occur during subsequent rolling and profile machining.

Blast cleaning is not a substitute for pickling. Blast cleaning cannot remove surfaces contaminated with interstitial elements such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. In general, blast cleaning followed by pickling can ensure the complete removal of surface contamination and cold-worked layers, resulting in a smooth, shiny metal surface.

For more information, please visit https://www.samaterials.com/.

What Are the New Sintering Methods of Zirconia Ceramics?

With the continuous development of science, sintering methods of zirconia ceramics are continuously introduced.

Electric field sintering

Electric field sintering refers to the sintering of the ceramic body under the action of a DC electric field. Some high-curie-point ferroelectric ceramics, such as lithium niobate ceramics, apply a DC field to both ends of the green body at their sintering temperature. After cooling to a temperature below the Curie point (Te-1210 ℃) and removing the electric field, you can obtain Piezoelectric ceramic samples.

Sintering process

 

Ultrahigh pressure sintering

Ultra-high pressure sintering is sintering at a pressure of several hundred thousand atmospheres or more. Its characteristics are that it cannot only make the material reach high density quickly, and have fine grains (less than 1um), but also change the crystal structure and even the atomic and electronic states, so that the material cannot be reached under the usual sintering or hot-pressing sintering process Performance, and can synthesize new artificial minerals. This process is relatively complicated and requires higher mold materials, vacuum sealing technology, and fineness and purity of raw materials.

Activated sintering

The principle of activated sintering is to use some physical or chemical methods to make the atoms or molecules of the reactants in a high-energy state before or during sintering. With the instability of this high-energy state, it is easy to release energy Low energy state. The physical methods used in activated sintering include electric field sintering, magnetic field sintering, sintering under the action of ultrasound or radiation, and so on; the chemical methods used are: chemical reactions based on redox reactions, dissociation of oxides, halides, and hydroxides, and atmospheric sintering. Activated sintering has the advantages of reducing the sintering temperature, shortening the sintering time, and improving the sintering effect.

For some ceramic materials, activated sintering is another effective texturing technique. There is also the use of substances in the phase change, dehydration and other decomposition processes, the atom or ion bond is destroyed, making it in an unstable active state. For example, increase the specific surface area; add substances that can generate new erbium molecules during the sintering process; add substances that can promote the sintering material to form a solid solution; increase the lattice defect substances, all of which are activated sintering. In addition, activated sintering also includes adding a small number of substances that can form an active liquid phase, promote the vitrification of materials, appropriately reduce the viscosity of the liquid phase, wet the solid phase, and promote solid-phase dissolution and recrystallization.

Activated hot sintering

Activated hot-pressing sintering is a new process developed on the basis of activated sintering. It utilizes an activated state with higher energy during the decomposition reaction or phase change of the reactants to perform hot-pressing treatment, which can be performed at lower temperature and lower pressure. It is a high-efficiency hot pressing technology to obtain high-density ceramic materials in a short time. For example, barium titanate, lead zirconium titanate, ferrite, and other electronic ceramics are made by hot pressing by the decomposition reaction of hydroxide and oxide; high-density beryllium oxide, thorium oxide and uranium oxide ceramics were prepared by hot pressing of carbonate decomposition reaction; high-density alumina ceramics are made by hot pressing during phase transition of some materials.

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) is a global supplier of pure metals, alloys, ceramics, minerals, and rare earth materials since 1994. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, SAM specializes in providing high-purity chemicals (up to 99.99999%) for research institutes and technical grade materials for advanced industries, such as pharmaceutical, capacitor, metallurgy, semiconductor, and aviation. Please visit https://www.samaterials.com/ for more information.