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Zirconia-toughened alumina ceramics: a breakthrough in advanced ceramic materials

As a leading supplier of advanced ceramic materials and precision components in China, we have comprehensive industrial chain capabilities covering all stages from powder molding to sintering, precision manufacturing and application solutions.

Our company specializes in the R&D, production and operation of various high-quality materials such as zirconia, alumina, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and magnesium oxide zirconium. Products are widely used in high-demand fields such as food and medical care, new energy for automobiles, laser semiconductors, petrochemicals, national defense and military industries, and aerospace.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of zirconia toughened alumina ceramics. Alumina ceramics are known for their excellent properties, including high hardness, large elastic modulus, excellent chemical stability and high temperature performance. However, they tend to exhibit lower fracture toughness, making them brittle.

To overcome this limitation, the industry has been working on toughening and strengthening alumina ceramics through the incorporation of second phase particles or whiskers. Among the various options, the addition of zirconia to alumina has proven to be the most effective in increasing fracture toughness and strength.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the preparation of zirconia toughened alumina ceramic powders. A common method is to directly mix zirconia and alumina powders. In order to achieve a high degree of dispersion of zirconia particles and prevent agglomeration, wet ball milling or vigorous stirring is usually used.

In addition, adjusting the pH value, adding a dispersant, and ultrasonically assisted dispersion can all enhance the uniformity of the powder. For example, the introduction of polyacrylate (NHPAA) dispersants in ZrO2/Al2O3 suspensions shifts the isoelectric points of zirconia and alumina to lower pH values. In this way, the complete dispersion of ZrO2/Al2O3 can be realized, and the microstructure of the powder after sintering can be guaranteed to be uniform.

In addition to direct mixing, chemical synthesis methods can also produce ZrO2/Al2O3 composite powder. These methods include gel-gel methods, co-precipitation methods, and alkoxide hydrolysis methods.

In conclusion, zirconia-toughened alumina ceramics represent a breakthrough in advanced ceramic materials. By incorporating zirconia into alumina, we can significantly increase the fracture toughness and strength of alumina ceramics, making them suitable for a wide range of high-end applications.

Drawing on our deep expertise in the development, manufacture and application of advanced ceramic materials, we are proud to offer you the highest quality Zirconia Toughened Alumina Ceramics. Whether you are in the Mining industry, wear resistant industry, food and medical industry, automotive new energy industry, laser semiconductor field, petrochemical industry, national defense industry, or aerospace field, our products will meet your specific requirements.

Stay tuned for more insightful blogs about advanced ceramic materials and the innovative solutions they offer. Contact us today to find out how our zirconia-toughened alumina ceramics can make a difference in your industry.