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Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA)

Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) is a composite material that uniquely combines the mechanical strength and wear resistance of zirconia and alumina, making it superior to traditional alumina ceramics. By incorporating 10-20% volume of ZrO2 into alumina, ZTA not only enhances the material's toughness and strength but also offers a cost-effective alternative to pure zirconia, addressing both performance and economic considerations. This adjustment in composition allows for the customization of ZTA's properties to specific needs, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.

The key attributes of ZTA include exceptional mechanical strength, thermal resistance, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. These features make it highly suitable for demanding industrial uses and medical applications where durability and safety are paramount. The ability to tailor its properties through zirconia content optimization ensures that ZTA can meet diverse requirements, providing a versatile solution that outperforms conventional materials in both functionality and longevity.

More Info About Zirconia Toughened Alumina 

Products | Structure | Specification | Applications | Video | FAQs

Products

Zirconia Toughened Alumina Structure

The microstructure of zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) slip-cast ceramic reveals a finely integrated composite material where alumina (A) grains and zirconia (Z) grains coexist, each contributing unique properties to enhance the overall performance of the ceramic. Alumina grains provide the structural backbone, offering high hardness and thermal stability, while the dispersed zirconia grains impart toughness and resistance to crack propagation. This strategic combination results in a ceramic that is not only stronger but also more durable than its individual constituents. The presence of pores, as indicated by arrows, is typical in slip-cast ceramics and can affect the material's density and mechanical properties. The control of pore size and distribution is crucial in optimizing the material's strength and reliability, making the microstructural examination a key aspect in the development and improvement of ZTA ceramics. This microstructural synergy between alumina and zirconia grains, along with the careful management of porosity, underscores the material's advanced engineering, tailored for applications requiring exceptional mechanical and thermal performance.

Microstructure of zirconia-toughened alumina slip-cast ceramic. A: alumina grains, Z: zirconia grains, Arrow indicates pore. Isabelle, Denry & Holloway, Julie. (2010). Ceramics for Dental Applications: A Review. Materials. 3. 10.3390/ma3010351.

Zirconia Toughened Alumina Specification

Chemical Formula Zr-Al2O3
Density 4.1-4.38 g/cm^3
Hardness 1750-2100 Knoop
Elasticity 45-49 x 10^6 psi
Flexure Strength 100-145 ksi
Poisson's Ratio 0.26
Fracture Toughness 5-7 MPa m^1/2
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 8.0-8.1 x 10^-6 1/C
Thermal Conductivity 20.0-21.0 W/mK
Shock Resistance 325 °C
Maximum Working Temperature 1650 °C

Zirconia Toughened Alumina Applications

Industrial Components

Where high strength and erosion resistance are paramount, Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) ceramics excel as the first choice for critical industrial components. This includes valve seals, sleeves, pump pistons, and spraying nozzles, which benefit from ZTA's unmatched durability and resistance to wear and harsh conditions. The material's robustness ensures longevity and reliability, making it indispensable in various industrial settings.

Manufacturing Industries

In the manufacturing sector, ZTA stands out for its application in cutting tools, thanks to its superior properties such as high hardness, wear resistance, chemical inertness at room temperature, and high hot hardness. Its rapture strength, moderate heat resistance, and compressive strength make ZTA superior to other cutting tool materials, enhancing productivity and efficiency in manufacturing processes.

Other Diverse Applications

These headings highlight ZTA's wide-ranging applications, demonstrating its critical role in enhancing the performance and durability of components across various industries. From heavy-duty industrial use to precise analytical measurements, ZTA's unique combination of strength, resistance, and stability makes it an invaluable material in modern technology and industrial processes.

Read more: What is Zirconia Toughened Alumina?

ACM Ceramic Product Video

Your ZTA Ceramics Supplier

Advanced Ceramic Materials is a leading supplier of zirconia toughened alumina ceramic products of the highest quality for a wide range of applications. We are happy to provide advice on materials, design, and application. Feel free to contact us with any questions about ZTA or other ceramic materials that are not listed on the website.

FAQ
How Is ZTA Made?
ZTA is typically produced by mixing alumina and zirconia powders together, forming the mixture into the desired shape, and then sintering the material at high temperatures to achieve a fully dense structure.
How Does ZTA Compare to Other Ceramic Materials?
ZTA has better toughness and resistance to cracking than pure alumina, but it is not as tough as pure zirconia. ZTA also has a lower thermal expansion coefficient than zirconia, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications.
What Are Some of The Factors that Affect the Properties of ZTA?
The properties of ZTA are affected by factors such as the particle size and distribution of the alumina and zirconia powders, the sintering temperature and time, the presence of any additives or impurities, and the microstructure of the final material.
Why Is Zirconia Added to Alumina?
Zirconia is added to alumina to improve its toughness and resistance to crack propagation. The transformation toughening mechanism of zirconia enhances the overall strength and durability of alumina ceramics.
Can ZTA Be Used in High-Temperature Applications?
Yes, ZTA maintains high thermal resistance and stability, making it suitable for high-temperature applications, including those exceeding the limitations of pure alumina ceramics.
Is ZTA Biocompatible?
Yes, ZTA is considered biocompatible, making it suitable for medical applications, including dental and orthopedic implants where strength and wear resistance are critical.
What Percentage of Zirconia Is Typically Added to Alumina in ZTA?
The typical zirconia content in ZTA ranges from 10-20% by volume, depending on the desired properties and application requirements.
Are There Any Limitations to Using ZTA?
While ZTA offers superior properties, it may come at a higher cost compared to pure alumina or other ceramics, and the specific properties required for certain applications may necessitate precise control over the zirconia content and sintering conditions.
How Does the Addition of Zirconia Improve the Wear Resistance of Alumina?
The addition of zirconia introduces a transformation toughening mechanism that absorbs energy and inhibits crack growth, significantly enhancing the wear resistance of the alumina matrix. This makes ZTA ceramics exceptionally durable under abrasive and erosive conditions.
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