Zirconia

Zirconia (ZrO₂), with the chemical formula ZrO₂, is an advanced ceramic material. The "zirconia ceramic" we commonly refer to is not pure zirconia, but stabilized zirconia.

Why is stabilization necessary? Pure zirconia undergoes a crystal structure transformation (phase transition) when subjected to temperature changes, accompanied by significant volume changes, which can cause cracking in the sintered product. By adding stabilizers (such as yttrium oxide Y₂O₃, magnesium oxide MgO), its stable structure at high temperature can be retained at room temperature, thereby obtaining yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ or Y-TZP) and magnesium stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) with excellent performance, which are the most common and important types.

Based on the above properties, zirconia offers the following outstanding advantages:

1. Extremely high toughness - its core advantage. Its fracture toughness is over twice that of alumina, resulting in excellent impact and vibration resistance. This overcomes the brittleness of ceramics, significantly improving reliability and earning it the nickname "ceramic steel."
2. Superb wear resistance. Not only is it hard, but its excellent toughness also makes it less susceptible to chipping and spalling under impact loads. Its overall wear life is extremely long, making it a top-tier material for wear-resistant parts.
3. High mechanical strength. It can withstand significant bending stress and pressure without breaking, allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger product designs.
4. Low friction coefficient and self-lubrication. Its smooth surface results in low operating resistance, low energy consumption, and resistance to adhesion to mating materials.
5. Excellent biocompatibility. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic to human tissue. It is FDA-approved, making it an ideal material for medical implants.
6. Excellent corrosion resistance. Resistant to most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents (except hydrofluoric acid).
7. Beautiful and durable. It can be polished to a high, metallic-like gloss, achieving a pure white luster and a smooth feel. It will never fade or wear.

• Dental restorations: crowns, bridges, and implant abutments. Due to its high strength, aesthetics (dyeable for realistic simulation), and biocompatibility, it has become the material of choice for dental restorations.
• Surgical implants: artificial hip and knee joints. Its high wear resistance and biocompatibility significantly enhance the long-term safety of implants.
• Surgical Tools: Ceramic scissors, ablation needles and surgical blades are more corrosion-resistant and lighter than metal.

• Precision Ceramic Bearings: Used in high-speed spindles, precision machine tools, and corrosive environments. Their lightweight (low density) reduces centrifugal force and extends lifespan.
• Mechanical Seals: Used in chemical pumps, automotive water pumps, and other applications. They are corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant, with a lifespan far exceeding that of metal seals.
• Wear-Resistant Components: Sandblasting nozzles, textile ceramic parts, and abrasive media (balls and cylinders) perform exceptionally well in harsh operating conditions.
• Smart Wearables and Consumer Electronics: Smartwatch cases and mobile phone back panels offer excellent wear resistance and a unique texture.

• Fiber Optic Connectors (Ceramic Ferrules): Leveraging their high hardness and low thermal expansion coefficient, they ensure precise and stable fiber optic connection.
• Sensor Components: For example, oxygen sensors (for automotive exhaust emissions monitoring) utilize their ionic conductivity at high temperatures.

• Knives: Ceramic knives are sharp, rust-resistant, and non-reactive with food, preserving the original flavor.
• Accessories: Bracelets and necklaces, etc., utilize their jade-like texture and wear-resistance.
• Sporting Goods: Golf club strikers and fishing guides, which are durable and lightweight.