[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of zirconium dioxide, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, zirconium dioxide material how

Zirconium dioxide properties

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) is an inorganic compound with unique physical and chemical properties. Its most notable characteristics are high melting point (about 2715 ℃), high hardness and excellent mechanical strength. Zirconium dioxide has good corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and can resist the erosion of acid, alkali and molten metal. In terms of electrical properties, zirconium dioxide exhibits electrical conductivity at high temperatures and is an electrical insulator at room temperature. Zirconium dioxide also has good optical properties and can be transparent in the ultraviolet to mid-infrared region.

Zirconium dioxide uses

Because of its unique properties, zirconium dioxide has been widely used in various fields. In industry, zirconium dioxide is often used as a high-temperature refractory material, such as crucible, furnace lining and molten metal casting mold. Its high hardness and wear resistance make it an ideal material for the manufacture of cutting tools, abrasives and artificial gemstones (such as cubic zirconia). In the electronics industry, zirconium dioxide is used as an electrolyte material for solid oxide fuel cells with high ionic conductivity. Zirconium dioxide also has applications in the medical field, such as dental materials, orthopedic implants and bioceramics.

Zirconium dioxide upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of zirconium dioxide mainly relies on zircon (ZrSiOOx) as a raw material. Zircon after high temperature decomposition of zirconium dioxide and silicate. In the chemical process, zirconium dioxide can be obtained by hydrolysis of zirconium chloride or calcination of zirconium carbonate. The supply of upstream raw materials is mainly concentrated in the mining and processing of zirconium ore. Zirconium ores are mainly distributed in Australia, South Africa, China and Brazil.

In terms of downstream applications, the demand for zirconium dioxide is closely related to its application area. For example, refractory and cutting tool manufacturers are major downstream users. The demand for high-purity zirconium dioxide in the electronics industry is also growing, especially in the fuel cell and advanced ceramics fields. The demand for biocompatible materials in the medical field has driven the use of zirconium dioxide in medical devices.

Zirconium dioxide storage method

Storage of zirconium dioxide requires care to avoid moisture and contamination. Since zirconium dioxide is sensitive to moisture, it should be kept dry during storage. It is recommended to store it in a closed container to avoid contact with moisture in the air. The storage environment should avoid drastic temperature changes to prevent changes in physical properties caused by thermal expansion and contraction of materials. The storage area shall be kept clean to prevent contamination of the zirconium dioxide by dust and other impurities. Because zirconium dioxide powder has a certain hygroscopicity, its state should be checked regularly during long-term storage to ensure that its physical and chemical properties remain unchanged.

Zirconium dioxide production process and technical progress

The production process of zirconium dioxide includes wet chemical method and dry physical method. Wet chemical methods include precipitation methods, sol-gel methods, etc., and can usually obtain high-purity nano-sized zirconium dioxide powder. The dry physical method is mainly through the high temperature decomposition method or direct synthesis method, suitable for large-scale industrial production. In recent years, with the development of nanotechnology, the preparation process of nano-zirconia has been significantly improved, which greatly enhances its application potential in high-tech fields.

Zirconium dioxide market prospect analysis

Zirconium dioxide market prospects, mainly due to its diversified application areas and growing demand. The demand for zirconium dioxide in the global high-temperature refractory market has maintained steady growth, especially in the steel and non-ferrous metal smelting industries. The rapid development of the electronics industry, especially fuel cells and advanced electronic ceramics, has also brought new market opportunities for high-purity zirconia materials. In the medical field, with the increasing demand for bioceramic materials, the application of zirconium dioxide in dental and orthopedic implants is promising.

Conclusion

Zirconium dioxide is an important inorganic material, with its excellent physical and chemical properties, in the industrial, electronic, medical and other fields show a wide range of potential applications. The supply chain of upstream and downstream raw materials and advanced production technology provide a strong guarantee for the sustainable development of the zirconium dioxide market. In the future, with the continuous expansion of technological progress and new application fields, the zirconium dioxide market is expected to maintain steady growth and become an important part of the field of high-performance materials.