[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, advantages and disadvantages of zirconia

Zirconia Properties

Zirconia (Zirconium Dioxide,ZrO₂) is a white amorphous powder with high melting point, high hardness and high strength. Its melting point is as high as 2700 ℃, and it has excellent chemical stability and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. Zirconia also has good thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties, which make it an important industrial material. The crystal structure of zirconia mainly has three forms: monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic, of which tetragonal and cubic zirconia are stable at high temperatures, and monoclinic zirconia is stable at room temperature. By doping elements such as yttrium, calcium or magnesium, the tetragonal or cubic crystal structure can be stabilized, and the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the material can be improved.

Zirconia Uses

Zirconia has a wide range of applications in many fields. Due to its excellent high temperature and corrosion resistance, zirconia is widely used in high temperature ceramics and refractory materials. In the field of mechanical manufacturing, zirconia is used to make cutting tools and grinding tools with high hardness and high toughness. In the electronics industry, zirconia is used as a dielectric material for oxide capacitors, or as an electrolyte material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Zirconia is also used as a dental material, such as dental restorations and dentures. Due to its good biocompatibility and aesthetics, zirconia is increasingly used in the biomedical field.

Zirconia Upstream Feedstock

The production of zirconia mainly relies on zircon (Zircon, ZrSiOH4), a mineral containing zirconium. Zircon undergoes pyrolysis and chlorination to produce zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl1), which is then hydrolyzed and calcined to produce high-purity zirconia. Zircon is mainly produced in Australia, South Africa and China. These countries and regions have abundant zirconium resources and can stably provide the raw materials for the production of zirconia.

Zirconia Downstream Products

Zirconia has a wide range of downstream products, covering many fields. In the ceramic industry, zirconia is used to manufacture high-performance ceramic products with high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. In the electronics industry, electrolyte materials and capacitors made of zirconia are widely used in various electronic devices and energy systems. In the biomedical field, zirconia is used to manufacture high-performance biomaterials such as artificial joints and dental restorations. Zirconia is also widely used in grinding media, catalyst supports and high temperature coatings.

Zirconia production process

The production process of zirconia mainly includes two steps: first, the zircon is decomposed and chlorinated to generate zirconium tetrachloride; then the zirconium tetrachloride is hydrolyzed to generate zirconium hydroxide, and finally the high purity zirconia is prepared by the calcination process. In the actual production process, in order to improve the performance of zirconia, it is often doped with yttrium, calcium, magnesium and other elements to stabilize its crystal structure, so that it has better mechanical and electrical properties.

Zirconia storage method

Zirconia, as a relatively stable chemical substance, is not difficult to store. Generally, zirconia powder needs to be stored in a dry and ventilated environment to avoid contact with moisture and acid and alkali substances to prevent moisture and chemical reactions. Avoid exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight to avoid changes in properties or performance degradation. In the actual storage process, the zirconia powder can be sealed in a plastic bag or moisture-proof container, and the production date and batch information can be marked for easy management and use.

Zirconia Market Prospects

With the increasing demand for high-performance materials, the market prospect of zirconia is very broad. In the fields of high temperature ceramics, electronic components and biomedicine, the application of zirconia will continue to expand. Especially in the development of new energy technology, the wide application of solid oxide fuel cells is expected to drive the rapid growth of zirconia demand. With the progress of science and technology, the performance of zirconia materials continues to improve, and its application range and market demand will continue to expand.

Summary

With its excellent physical and chemical properties, zirconia plays an important role in industry, electronics, biomedicine and other fields. Its upstream raw materials mainly rely on abundant zirconium resources, and its downstream products are diverse and cover many high-tech fields. By continuously improving the production process and optimizing the storage method, the application prospect of zirconia will be broader. In the future, with the increasing demand for high-performance materials and the continuous advancement of technology, zirconia will show its unique advantages in more fields.