Using Monoclinic Zirconia in industrial Applications

Monoclinic zirconia refers to pure zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) without any dopants or additives and with a monoclinic crystalline phase structure at temperatures up to 1170°C. Due to their excellent physical and chemical properties, monoclinic zirconia powders are used in a variety of ceramic applications: pigments for tile decoration, refractory materials (refractory bricks, fused metal filters), PZT and dielectric materials, abrasive materials, thermal barrier coatings, and advanced technical ceramics.

Monoclinic zirconia applications

The high mechanical properties, chemical inertness, high temperature stability, corrosion resistance and high quality of zirconia have made this ceramic steel of interest in many industries and applications. Today, many products from refractory materials to medical products, pigments, electronics, coatings and ceramics are based on zirconia because of its superior properties and advantages over other materials. Some typical applications for zirconia include dies for iron extrusion, oxygen sensors, membranes in fuel cells, deep well valve seats and marine pump seals. Some of the more common applications and uses of zirconia are listed below.

1. Ceramics

The mechanical strength and resistance of zirconia make it a suitable component for ceramic manufacturing. These include ceramic knives, which are much tougher than steel knives and forks due to zirconia's high hardness factor.

2. High heat resistance

Due to its high heat resistance, zirconia is used as a component in crucibles, furnaces and other high-temperature environments. In addition, zirconia improves the fire resistance of ceramics. Refractory bricks and armor plates are examples of refractory materials based on zirconia. In addition, zirconia, when added to fused quartz, can be used to produce silica glass, which is stronger and more resistant to stress than opaque quartz glass. Zirconia can also be added to alumina to be used in components for the steel casting process.

3. Thermal insulation coatings

Zirconia is used as a coating for jet engine components that are exposed to high temperatures. The compound's low thermal conductivity and high heat resistance make this possible. Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of zirconia for TBC as long as the material is applied correctly and uniformly.

4. Dental Industry

Due to its biocompatibility, good aesthetic properties and high mechanical properties, one of the popular uses of zirconia is in the dental field, mainly for dental restoration of bridges, crowns, feldspar porcelain veneers and dentures. Yttrium oxide stabilized zirconia can also be used to produce nearly permanent zirconia crowns.

5. Scratch and abrasive resistant

Due to its high mechanical stability and wear resistance, zirconia is being used as an abrasive material. The compound is also used as a protective layer for mechanical parts due to its resistance to scratching and mechanical stress.

6. Oxygen-rich systems

While other materials may oxidize and compromise their integrity, zirconia is stable in the presence of oxygen. In fact, it is used in fuel cell membranes and oxygen sensing mechanisms, even at high temperatures.

7. Jewelry industry

In particular, cubic zirconia has developed as a viable alternative to diamonds (which are very expensive). In addition to its durability and strong aesthetic resemblance to diamonds, cubic zirconia produces a different cut than diamonds and has optical imperfections that appear completely colorless to the naked eye. It is often referred to as an imitation diamond, rather than a synthetic diamond, because it visually resembles a natural diamond, but does not have the same chemical properties. Examples of zirconia-based jewelry include cubic zirconia rings and cubic zirconia earrings.