Zirconia ceramics are advanced materials that offer a unique combination of strength, toughness, and versatility. They’re known for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear, which is why they are used in a wide range of industries, from medical implants to manufacturing tools.
What also sets zirconia apart is its ability to be shaped into complex, precise parts through zirconia injection molding. This makes it a perfect choice for complex applications. Keep reading to learn more about the properties of zirconia.
What are the properties of zirconia ceramic?
Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) is suitable for a broad range of advanced engineering and industrial applications due to its favorable physical, mechanical, and chemical properties:
Exceptional mechanical strength
One of the most favorable features of zirconia is its high mechanical strength. With a flexural strength typically ranging between 900 and 1,200 MPa, it surpasses many other ceramics. This high strength is attributed to a phenomenon known as transformation toughening, where the material undergoes a phase transformation under stress that helps arrest crack propagation.
High fracture toughness
These ceramics have high fracture toughness values, which makes them one of the toughest ceramics available. They’re significantly higher than most conventional materials and enable zirconia to resist chipping and cracking, even under high loads or impact forces.
Excellent wear resistance
Their exceptional hardness, which is usually around 1,200 – 1,400 Vickers (HV), contributes to their excellent wear resistance. This is why they’re ideal for applications where long-term durability and resistance to abrasion are important, such as cutting tools, bearings, and medical implants.
Thermal stability
With a high melting point of approximately 4,919°F, they can maintain structural integrity at high temperatures. Moreover, its low thermal conductivity makes them effective thermal insulators. However, manufacturers must carefully manage their thermal properties because their coefficient of thermal expansion is relatively high and this can lead to thermal shock under rapid temperature changes.
Chemical inertness
ZrO2 is highly resistant to chemical corrosion, even in harsh environments such as acids, alkalis, or molten metals. This property makes it suitable for chemically demanding applications, like fuel cell components and chemical processing.
Biocompatibility
Various studies have shown that this material is non-toxic and non-allergenic, which is why it’s an excellent choice for medical applications, including dental implants, prosthetic devices, and surgical tools.
Electrical properties
At high temperatures, zirconia is an ionic conductor due to oxygen ion mobility within its crystal structure. This characteristic makes it a critical material for applications such as solid oxid fuel cells (SOFCs) and oxygen sensors.
Aesthetic and optical properties
The smooth surface finish and a bright white color that can be customized make for excellent aesthetic qualities of this material. Together with its strength and biocompatibility, they make it the preferred material for dental crowns and veneers.
Advanced shaping capabilities
Through the process of injection molding, zirconia can be shaped into complex geometries, delivering intricate, high-precision parts without the need for extensive machining. This is why these ceramics are suitable for various industries that require highly detailed parts.
Looking for reliable zirconia injection molding?
If you’d like to learn more about the durability of alumina in extreme environments, understand better the grades of alumina, or find out what zirconia ceramic is used for, get in touch with Wunder Mold. We’re a team of experienced specialists who have the skills, knowledge, and technology to provide you with high-quality plastic or ceramic parts that meet your exact specifications. Whether you need us in the U.S. or across the globe, we can cater to your needs. Give us a call or send an email at sales@wundermold.com and tell us more about the parts that you need.