Q: What is the difference between Zirconia and Zirconium?
A: Zirconia is a ceramic made from ZrO2 and Zirconium (Zr) is a refractory metal element found on the periodic table. So while Zirconia is made from Zirconium they are VERY different.
Q: What is the difference between Zirconia and Zirconium?
A: Zirconia is a ceramic made from ZrO2 and Zirconium (Zr) is a refractory metal element found on the periodic table. So while Zirconia is made from Zirconium they are VERY different.
Q: Why does Zirconia cost more than Alumina?
A: 1) Raw material cost: Aluminia is far more abundant, whereas Yttrium oxide which is a stabilizer for Zirconia ceramic, is a rare earth element.
2) Shaping costs: Due to its higher density it takes approximately 10x longer to grind down and shape Zirconia into parts.
3) Higher sintering temperatures: The thermal shock resistance for Zirconia is poor so it requires a more costly sintering process.
Q: What advantages does Zirconia have over Alumina?
A: Usually for most high temperature or electric insulator applications where ceramics are needed, alumina ceramic fasteners are the most popular choice due to their properties and relatively affordable price compared to zirconia fasteners. However sometimes the extreme properties of zirconia fasteners are needed which include:
Q: I’m using a high temperature vacuum furnace at 2500F. What type of material do you suggest using and is there any advantage of using a metal over a ceramic?
A: Under vacuum conditions with little to no oxygen present, there are some metallic options for fasteners which include molybdenum and tantalum. These metals are considered referactory metals and could be used up 2900F and 3600F for molybdenum and tantalum fasteners respectively. In addition to metals, alumina and zirconia ceramics could be used as well.
The advantages of each come from what is most important and the conditions of your application. For example, if quenching is involved, you might not want to use ceramic fasteners due to the thermal shock which will cause failure. However if having low thermal conductivity through the fastener is important, then ceramics are a good choice. If the fasteners are to hold higher loads, the molybdenum and tantalum metals might be more robust.
Q: Why does Zirconia cost more than Alumina?
A: 1.) Raw material cost. Alumina is far more abundant, whereas Yttrium oxide which is a stabilizer for Zirconia ceramic, is a rare earth element.
2.) Shaping costs. Due to its higher density it takes approximately 10x longer to grind down and shape Zirconia into parts.
3.) Higher sintering temperatures. The thermal shock resistance for Zirconia is poor, so it requires a more costly sintering process.