Zircalon – A Strong, Tough Zirconia Ceramic
Zircalon is an advanced yttria stabilised zirconia ceramic offering outstanding mechanical strength and toughness.
Zircalon is a recently added material to our portfolio and is the toughest of all monolithic advanced ceramics. It is a partially stabilized zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic characterised by very high strength and toughness giving it excellent wear resistance, in addition to chemical stability resulting in excellent corrosion resistance.
Zirconia is typically used in applications in the metal forming industry as weld location pins for resistance welding of captive nuts on sheet metal and is available in two grades, Zircalon 5 and Zircalon 10. Zircalon 10 is the stronger and tougher of the two grades and possesses better impact resistance.
Zircalon 5
The table below lists typical mechanical, thermal and electrical property data for Zircalon 5.
Physical property data for Zircalon 5
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 3 point RT Modulus of Rupture (Specimen 3 × 3 × 50mm, span 19.05mm) |
1000 | MPa |
| Weibull Modulus | 15 | - |
| RT Unit Tensile Strength | 500 | MPa |
| RT Compressive Strength | >2000 | MPa |
| RT Young's Modulus of Elasticity | 205 | GPa |
| RT Hardness (HRA) | 91 | - |
| RT Hardness (Vickers Hv0.3) | 1350 | Kg/mm2 |
| Fracture Toughness K¹C | 8.0 | MPam½ |
| Density | 6.13 | g/cc |
| Porosity | 0 | % |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (0-1200°C) | 10.0X10-6 | K-1 |
| RT Thermal Conductivity | 2.0 | W/(mK) |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 250 | ΔT°C quenched in cold water |
| Maximum Use Temperature | 1000 | °C |
| RT Electrical Resistivity | 109 | ohm m |
Typical physical property data obtained under test conditions. All properties have been measured by independent testing authorities. The values given only apply to the test bodies on which they were determined, and therefore can only be recommended values. See our disclaimer.
Zircalon 10
The table below lists typical mechanical, thermal and electrical property data for Zircalon 10.
Physical property data for Zircalon 10
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 3 point RT Modulus of Rupture (Specimen 3 × 3 × 50mm, span 19.05mm) |
1200 | MPa |
| Weibull Modulus | 15 | - |
| RT Unit Tensile Strength | 550 | MPa |
| RT Compressive Strength | >2000 | MPa |
| RT Young's Modulus of Elasticity | 205 | GPa |
| RT Hardness (HRA) | 91 | - |
| RT Hardness (Vickers Hv0.3) | 1350 | Kg/mm2 |
| Fracture Toughness K¹C | 10.0 | MPam½ |
| Density | 6.05 | g/cc |
| Porosity | 0 | % |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (0-1200°C) | 10.0X10-6 | K-1 |
| RT Thermal Conductivity | 2.0 | W/m/K |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 250 | ΔT°C quenched in cold water |
| Maximum Use Temperature | 1000 | °C |
| RT Electrical Resistivity | 109 | ohm m |
Typical physical property data obtained under test conditions. All properties have been measured by independent testing authorities. The values given only apply to the test bodies on which they were determined, and therefore can only be recommended values. See our disclaimer.
In addition to this outstanding property data, Zircalon also has excellent resistance to corrosion, often required for applications in the chemical and process industries.
The table below show the corrosion resistant behaviour of Zircalon in various acids and alkalis.
Zircalon corrosion behaviour in acids and alkalis.
| Acid/Alkali | Conc. % | Temp. | Exposure time / hrs | Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid | 100 | Boiling | 100 | None |
| Benzoic Acid | 100 | Boiling | 100 | None |
| Formic Acid | 100 | Boiling | 100 | None |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 33 | Boiling | 100 | Weak |
| Hydrofluric Acid | 100 | Boiling | 100 | Strong |
| Nitric Acid | 69 | Boiling | 100 | Weak |
| Phosphoric Acid | 100 | Boiling | 100 | Weak |
| Sulphuric Acid | 98 | Boiling | 100 | Weak |
| Ammonium Chloride | 98 | Boiling | 100 | None |
| Potassium Chloride | 100 | Boiling | 100 | None |
| Sodium Chloride | 100 | Boiling | 100 | None |
| Sodium hydroxide | 50 | Boiling | 100 | None |
Typical corrosion data obtained under test conditions. The values given only apply to the test bodies on which they were determined, and therfore can only be recommended values. See our disclaimer.
The successful integration of advanced technical ceramics into engineering systems requires close collaboration between you, the end-user, and ourselves, the material suppliers. Our Technical Department can be contacted to discuss your requirments in detail and assist in exploiting the significant advantages which zirconia fine ceramics offer.
In addition, see our resources section for guides on designing with ceramics and more property data comparing Zircalon with other engineering ceramics.
Alternatively download the Zircalon Property Data Sheet PDF.