Introduction to the main applications of zirconia

1. Investment casting

For zirconia, this is another major specialized market. Special product casting, such as aerospace engines, uses zirconia as the coating for the model. The products included here include turbine blades and golf clubs. Zircon has been applied in investment casting due to its ability to form actual contact with hot metal alloys, thereby protecting the mold from thermal vibrations.

2. Grinding materials

Zirconia and alumina are mixed to form coarse grinding particles, which are used for bonding and coating grinding materials on grinding wheels for grinding steel and metal alloys. Saint Germain has become a major producer of grinding materials through its Norton subsidiary. Other suppliers include Elfusa, Washington Mills, Treibacher, and others.

3. Advanced ceramics and specialty products

For stable zirconia, electronic component baking regulator plates are a major market. Stable zirconia is also used in oxygen sensors and fuel cell separators because of its unique ability to allow oxygen ions to move freely in crystal structures under high temperature conditions. This high ion conductivity (as well as low electron conductivity) makes it one of the most useful electrical ceramic materials. The application of chemical grade zirconia in these markets often exceeds that of electrofusion products. Other specialty markets include suction pumps and high-value components, special tool parts, and brake pad linings. In the gem market, Yttrium(III) oxide stabilized zirconias with fully stable cubic phase is also used as a cheap substitute for diamonds in the jewelry industry.

4. Dyes and pigments

In the ceramic industry, the production of sanitary ceramics, tableware, floor tiles, and wall tiles all require colored glaze, which can withstand high-temperature roasting processing. Zirconia is used to prepare pigments such as praseodymium yellow, vanadium blue, and iron coral powder. Saint Germain, Astron, and Australian molten materials are the main suppliers in this market. Diagonal zircon is also used to make ceramic pigments.

After adding metallic pigments to monoclinic zirconia or zircon and mixtures, they are ground and roasted. The product is washed with water and then ground into fine powder again. This product is added to ceramic glaze with some alumina and feldspar, mainly silica powder. Most of the production of ceramic pigments has shifted to Asia, with limited production remaining in the United States and Europe.

5. Refractory Materials and Casting

Zirconia has two main refractory material markets. Firstly, continuous cast steel refractory materials, especially isobaric products. These products include discharge ports and immersion nozzles for intermediate flow channels and steel ladles. Sliding baffles also require the use of zirconia, especially in the central area exposed to the highest temperature. Some stable Calcium oxide and magnesium oxide Zirconium dioxide are used, but usually Calcium oxide (calcia) is cheaper. The second main market is the production of fused alumina zirconia silica (AZS) refractory materials used in the glass industry. Zirconia provides high temperature and corrosion resistance for molten glass. Due to the absence of a reaction zone, no crushed stones will be generated inside the glass.

The main producers here are Monofrax, a subsidiary of Vesuvius, SEFPRO, a subsidiary of Saint Gerben, Les Ferres, a subsidiary of Wetschledex, and Moti, Hungary

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