Zirconia Ceramic is a ceramic material consisting of at least 90% of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). It has the highest strength and toughness at room temperature of all advanced ceramic materials. The fine grain size allows the ceramic components for extremely smooth surfaces and sharp edges. Unlike other ceramic materials, zirconia is a material with very high resistance to crack propagation. It has very high thermal expansion and can be joined to steel.
Characteristics
High density
High mechanical strength, such as high fracture toughness, flexural strength, hardness and wear resistance. Low coefficient of friction
Modulus of elasticity similar to steel
Low thermal conductivity - 10% of that of alumina ceramics
High service temperature - up to 4350ºF (2400ºC)
Coefficient of thermal expansion (11ppm/K) similar to that of cast iron
High chemical resistance to acids and alkalis
High resistance to molten metals
Oxygen ion conductivity (used for oxygen sensors and high temperature fuel cells)