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Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2)
Unlike other ceramic materials, zirconium oxide (ZrO2 –also known as zirconia) is a material with very high resistance to crack propagation. Zirconium oxide ceramics also have very high thermal expansion and are therefore often the material of choice for joining ceramic and steel.
Zirconium Oxide, which is also known as zirconia, is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium. Its most naturally occurring form is the mineral baddeleyite which has a monoclinic crystalline structure. Zirconium Oxide products typically demonstrate excellent mechanical properties and stability at elevated temperatures.
Zirconium oxide (ZrO2), or zirconia, is an advanced ceramic material most commonly used in the production of different types of hard ceramics. This material is most widely used for production of various dental implants due to its hardness, chemical unreactivity, and its various biocompatible aspects.
However, zirconia’s use in dentistry is only the most well-known use of this advanced ceramic material. There are other properties that make zirconia suitable for various applications. These properties include:
Physical properties :
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High thermal expansion (α=11 x 10-6/K, similar to some types of steel)
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Excellent thermal insulation/low thermal conductivity (2.5 to 3 W/mK)
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Very high resistance to crack propagation, high fracture toughness (6.5 to 8 MPam1/2)
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Excellent thermal resistance and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.
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It is very strong and hard, has superior wear resistance, stability, and is resistant to scratching.
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Absence of innate brittleness of some other types of technical ceramics
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Very high room-temperature strength
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Very high fracture toughness
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High hardness and density
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Good frictional behavior
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Low thermal conductivity
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Solid electrical insulation
