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Zirconia has been also used to form many different structural
components. By adding small amounts of lime, yttrium, or magnesia, a partially
stabilized zirconia (PSZ) ceramic is formed. In doing so, precipitates of
tetragonal and/or monoclinic phases are dispersed in a cubic zirconia matrix.
PSZ zirconias have enhanced mechanical properties allowing high-strength,
structural components to be manufactured.
Due to zirconia's wear and
corrosion resistance, it can be considered as a good refractory material for
handling molten metals. Some examples would be crucibles for aircraft alloys,
and nozzles and slide gates used in the continuous casting of
steels.
Zirconia ceramics's high strength and toughness makes it an
excellent candidate for applications such as extrusion dies, grinding media,
ceramic liners, cutting tools valve seats, guides, engine parts and medical
implants.
Zirconia's excellent ionic conductivity, which is present in
the cubic form, can be considered for applications like oxygen sensors and fuel
cells.
F. Paul Russo
Z-Tech |
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