MANUFACTURE AND PROPERTIES

Zirconia ceramic is a material in the group of mixed ceramics and is produced by binding different oxides: aluminium, zirconium, and silicon oxide are molten in an electric arc furnace at approx. 2.000°C. Mixed crystals form, which provide this material with its distinct characteristics:

• High strength and hardness
• Extremely high wear resistance
• 50% Al₂O₃ content (Al₂O₃ group of materials)

Due to its mineralogical composition – approx. 50% corundum, 32% zircon, and a glass phase content of approx. 18% – and its method of production, zirconia ceramic is frequently referred to as fused corundum, sometimes also as “zirconia-reinforced alumina ceramic”.

PRODUCT RANGE AND FORMATS

The smelt fused in the electric arc furnace can be cast into a variety of moulds:
Standard tiles with edge lengths ranging from 150 to 500 mm and wall thicknesses from 20 to 100 mm
Furthermore, straight pipes and elbow segments are produced as standard products with wall thicknesses ranging from 17 to 25 mm and inner diameters from 50 to 350 mm. Radial tiles can be manufactured as well.
Because the material is shaped by casting, special formpieces can be produced, e.g. for lining pumps, cyclones, etc.
The temperature limit is approx. 1.000 °C.