Zirconia
Zirconium dioxide, more commonly known as zirconia (ZrO2), is the toughest of the technical ceramics. Conventional zirconia ceramics are often limited in their capabilities by poor thermal performance, despite their high strength and practically unmatched hardness characteristics. Complex zirconia and stabilising additive combinations offer enhanced thermal stability, enabling manufacturers to exploit the outstanding mechanical characteristics of zirconia in more demanding high temperature environments.
International Syalons is a specialist supplier of advanced engineering materials for a wide range of market segments. We offer a range of oxide and non-oxide ceramics for extremely challenging application areas. Among our core line is a choice of magnesia- and yttria-stabilised zirconia grades which have a negligible propensity for phase transitioning at high operating temperatures. We can subsequently supply hard-wearing zirconia ceramics for temperature-critical applications. Key performance indicators of our zirconia range include:
- Unprecedented fracture toughness (15 MPa m½)
- High modulus of rupture (1200 MPa)
- Excellent compressive strength (1600 MPa)
- Exceptional hardness (91 HRA)
Preventing zirconia from undergoing temperature-induced phase transitions is vital to success in high-temperature applications. By carefully controlling the alloying composition with stabilising additives, we can impart enhanced thermodynamic properties that maximise the performance and lifetime of hard-wearing parts.
Browse a selection of our zirconia ceramic grades below to find out more about their applicability and properties. Or, contact a member of the International Syalons team today if you have any design queries.
Zircalon 5
Zircalon 5 is an yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ) and has very good strength and toughness. The table below lists typical mechanical, thermal and electrical property data for Zircalon 5.
Physical property data for Zircalon 5
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | YSZ | - |
| Density | 6.13 | g/cc |
| Porosity | 0 | % |
| 3 point Modulus of Rupture 20°C (Specimen 3 × 3 × 50mm, span 19.05mm) |
1000 | MPa |
| Weibull Modulus | 15 | - |
| Compressive Strength | >2000 | MPa |
| Young's Modulus of Elasticity | 205 | GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.30 | - |
| Hardness (HRA) | 91 | - |
| Hardness (Vickers Hv50) | 13.24 (1350) | GPa (Kg/mm2) |
| Fracture Toughness K1C | 8.0 | MPa m½ |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (0-1200°C) | 10.0X10-6 | K-1 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 2.0 | W/(mK) |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 250 | ΔT°C quenched in cold water |
| Maximum Use Temperature | 1000 | °C |
| RT Electrical Resistivity | 1011 | ohm cm |
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.
Download the Zircalon 5 Property Data Sheet PDF (0.19 Mb).
Zircalon 10
Zircalon 10 is an yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ) and has higher strength and toughness than Zircalon 5. The table below lists typical mechanical, thermal and electrical property data for Zircalon 10.
Physical property data for Zircalon 10
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | YSZ | - |
| Density | 6.05 | g/cc |
| Porosity | 0 | % |
| 3 point Modulus of Rupture 20°C (Specimen 3 × 3 × 50mm, span 19.05mm) |
1200 | MPa |
| Weibull Modulus | 15 | - |
| Compressive Strength | >2000 | MPa |
| Young's Modulus of Elasticity | 205 | GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.30 | - |
| Hardness (HRA) | 91 | - |
| Hardness (Vickers Hv50) | 13.24 (1350) | GPa (Kg/mm2) |
| Fracture Toughness K1C | 10.0 | MPa m½ |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (0-1200°C) | 10.0X10-6 | K-1 |
| 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 | 1011 | ohm cm |
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.
Download the Zircalon 10 Property Data Sheet PDF (0.19 Mb).
Zircalon 20
Zircalon 20 is a magnesia stabilised zirconia (MSZ) and has better thermal shock resistance than either Zircalon 5 or Zircalon 10. The table below lists typical mechanical, thermal and electrical property data for Zircalon 20.
Physical property data for Zircalon 20
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | MSZ | - |
| Density | 5.7 | g/cc |
| Porosity | 0 | % |
| 3 point Modulus of Rupture 20°C (Specimen 3 × 3 × 50mm, span 19.05mm) |
500 | MPa |
| Weibull Modulus | 15 | - |
| Compressive Strength | >1600 | MPa |
| Young's Modulus of Elasticity | 210 | GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.30 | - |
| Hardness (HRA) | 90 | - |
| Hardness (Vickers Hv50) | 11.77 (1200) | GPa (Kg/mm2) |
| Fracture Toughness K1C | 7.0 | MPa m½ |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (0-1200°C) | 11.0X10-6 | K-1 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 2.5 | W/m/K |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 350 | ΔT°C quenched in cold water |
| Maximum Use Temperature | 1000 | °C |
| RT Electrical Resistivity | 1011 | ohm cm |
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.
Download the Zircalon 20 Property Data Sheet PDF (0.09 Mb).
Zircalon 30
Zircalon 30 is a co-stabilised zirconia-based ceramic with an alumina (Al2O3) matrix, which is reinforced by self-grown alumina-based platelets. Zircalon 30 has a better fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance than Zircalon 10, whilst still offering excellent mechanical strength and hardness properties. The table below lists typical mechanical, thermal and electrical property data for Zircalon 30.
Physical property data for Zircalon 30
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | ZrO2-Al2O3 | - |
| Density | >5.62 | g/cc |
| Porosity | 0 | % |
| 3 point Modulus of Rupture 20°C | 1000 | MPa |
| Weibull Modulus | 14 | - |
| Compressive Strength | >2000 | MPa |
| Young's Modulus of Elasticity | - | GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.295 | - |
| Hardness (HRA) | 89 | - |
| Hardness (Vickers HV50) | 12.13 | GPa |
| Fracture Toughness K1C | 14-15 | MPa m½ |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient (0-1200°C) | 10.1 x 10-6 | K-1 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 3.5 | W/m/K |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 250 | ΔT°C quenched in cold water |
| Maximum Use Temperature | 1000 | °C |
| RT Electrical Resistivity | 1013 | ohm cm |
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.
Download the Zircalon 30 Property Data Sheet (0.09 Mb).
Zircalon Corrosion Behaviour
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. Please contact our Technical Department to discuss your requirments in detail and assist in exploiting the significant advantages which our advanced ceramics offer.
In addition, see our resources section for guides on designing with ceramics and more property data comparing Zircalon with other engineering ceramics.
