Zirconia (TZP)

Zirconia (TZP) offers chemical and corrosion resistance to temperatures well above the melting point of Alumina. In its pure form crystal structure changes limit mechanical applications, however stabilised Zirconias produced by addition of Calcium, Magnesium or Ytrium Oxides can produce very high strength, hardness and particularly toughness. In addition the material has low thermal conductivity and is an ionic conductor above 600ºC. This has lead to applications in oxygen sensors and high temperature fuel cells.

Typical characteristics include:

• High temperature capability up to 2400ºC
• High density
• High strength and fracture toughness
• High hardness and wear resistance
• Low thermal conductivity (20% that of Alumina)
• Good chemical resistance
• Ionic conductivity

Typical applications include:

• Precision ball valve (balls and seats) Pump seals, valves and impellors 
• High density grinding media 
• Oxygen sensors 
• Threadguides 
• Fuel cell membranes
• Cutting blades 
• Radio frequency heating susceptors
• Medical prostheses
• Metrology components