Brice de Norfer
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Zirconium oxide (ZrO2), also known as zirconia, is a durable and versatile advanced ceramic with exceptional hardness, strength, and chemical stability. It is used in various demanding applications like high-temperature refractories, dental and orthopedic implants, cutting tools, and as a white pigment. When combined with other oxides like yttrium oxide, it can be stabilized to maintain its structure and properties across a wide temperature range.
Key properties
- Chemical: Highly stable and resistant to chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and molten metals.
- Mechanical: Extremely hard (greater than 9 Mohs) and has high strength, making it ideal for wear-resistant applications.
- Thermal: Very high melting point (2715∘𝐶) and good thermal insulation properties.
- Electrical: A poor conductor of electricity, though it can conduct oxygen ions at high temperatures.
- Biocompatibility: Bio-inert, with high biocompatibility, making it suitable for medical implants.
