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Zirconium oxide – Zr2O

Zirconium oxide is the material that has the highest mechanical strength and fracture toughness of all technical ceramics. Together with its low thermal conductivity, electrical insulation and hardness, it is one of the most versatile materials available.

 

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Because of its unstable crystal structure, the zirconium is most often used in a ‘stabilised’ state. This avoids the transformation of its structure when the material is heated. The most common stabiliser is yttria (Y2O3), but calcium oxide (CaO) or magnesium oxide (MgO) can also be used. The amount and type of stabiliser will also influence the material properties. Zirconium oxide can be partially or fully stabilised.

Zirconium oxide

The ceramic material with the highest fracture thoughness.

Key characteristics

  • Low thermal conductivity
  • High fracture toughness
  • High mechanical strength
  • Electrical insulator
  • High wear resistance
Applications

  • Precision parts
  • Knives
  • Insulators
  • Vacuum chucks
  • Precision balls
For most applications, yttria is used to stabilise zirconium oxide. It has the best mechanical properties and is therefore preferred by the market. It can be recognised by its white-ivory appearance.
Magnesium-stabilised zirconium oxide is more stable at high temperatures (220°C and above) and in high moisture environments. It can be recognised by its yellow-ivory appearance
The internal stress incurred by a crack in the material may cause a change from a tetragonal phase to monoclinic. The volume expands due to this change, leading to compression of the crack. This principle extends the lifetime and reliability of parts made out of zirconium oxide.
Fully stabilised zirconium oxide (FSZ) is often used because of its high temperature resistance. It can be used in environments up to 2000 °C.
Electrical properties
Mechanical properties
Thermal properties
Temperature application
Properties Density g/cm3 Porosity % Mechanical properties Hardness (Vickers) kg/mm2 Compressive strength N/mm2 Bending strength N/mm2 E-modulus kN/mm2 Weibull modulus m Fracture toughness K1c Mpam Coefficient of friction Thermal properties
(Max. use temperature) *in air ℃ *in inert atm. ℃ Thermal shock resistance Expansion coefficient *20C - 200C *20C - 600C *20C - 1000C Thermal conductivity at 20C W/mK Electrical properties (Resistivity) * at 20C ohm cm * at 400C ohm cm * at 1000C ohm cm
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