Unlike other ceramic materials, zirconium oxide (ZrO2 - also known as zirconia) is a material with very high resistance to crack propagation. Zirconium oxide ceramics also have very high thermal expansion and are therefore often the material of choice for joining ceramic and steel.
Zirconia is characterized through its tribological performance (friction and wear) in moving applications and furthermore:
- Excellent fracture toughness
- Very good wear resistance
- High corrosion stability
- Low thermal conductivity
- CTE in range of steel
Zirconia Applications: Wire forming/drawing dies, Insulating rings in thermal processes, Precision shafts and axles in high wear environments, Furnace process tubes, Wear resistance pads, Thermocouple protection tubes, Sandblasting nozzles, Refractory material, Extrusion dies, Bushings and caps, Kiln furniture crucible, Fiber optic ferrules and sleeves, Knives and blades, Fuel cell parts, Bearings & rollers, Welding nozzles & pins, Laser parts, Gas igniters, Electric insulator, Ceramic guiders, Oxygen sensors, Medical and surgical component, Mechanical seals, Pumps, pistons, and liners...