Uses of Chempure Zirconia Crucibles
Zirconia crucibles are employed in a wide range of applications due to their exceptional thermal and chemical properties:
High-Temperature Processing:
Used in processes that require extreme temperatures up to 2000°C, such as metal melting and high-temperature synthesis.
Ideal for calcination processes and heat treatments.
Chemical Reactions:
Suitable for conducting chemical reactions that involve corrosive and reactive substances.
Used in the production of advanced ceramics and refractories.
Laboratory Applications:
Essential in analytical chemistry for high-temperature ashing and fusion processes.
Used in research and development laboratories for material testing and characterization.
Manufacturing Industries:
Utilized in the production of semiconductors and electronic components.
Employed in the glass and steel industries for high-temperature applications.
Nuclear Industry:
Used in the handling and processing of nuclear materials due to their high resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion.
Aerospace and Defense:
Applied in the development and testing of high-performance materials used in aerospace and defense technologies.
Advantages of Zirconia Crucibles:
Thermal Stability: Can withstand very high temperatures without deformation or degradation.
Chemical Inertness: Resistant to most acids and bases, ensuring purity and stability of the contents.
Mechanical Strength: High fracture toughness and resistance to thermal shock, making them durable and long-lasting.
Purity: High purity levels prevent contamination of the materials being processed.
Zirconia Wares
Zirconia wares are made from ceramic materials, which are inorganic, non-metallic compounds often consisting of crystalline oxides, nitrides, or carbides. Elements like carbon or silicon can also be considered ceramics. These materials are characterized by their brittleness, hardness, and strong compressive strength, but they are weak in shear and tension. Ceramics excel in resisting chemical erosion, making them suitable for use in acidic or caustic environments. They can withstand extremely high temperatures, typically ranging from 1,000 °C to 1,600 °C (1,800 °F to 3,000 °F).
Properties and Applications:
Bulk Density: 6 gm/cc
Working Temperature: Up to 2000°C
Stabilization: 8 mol% Yttria
Tolerance: +/- 2%
Zirconia wares are ideal for applications requiring high-temperature stability and resistance to thermal shock. They are commonly used in:
Laboratories: For high-temperature reactions and material processing.
Industrial Furnaces: As containers or supports for materials subjected to extreme heat.
Chemical Processing: Due to their resistance to corrosion and chemical erosion.
Care and Handling:
To ensure the longevity and performance of zirconia crucibles, follow these guidelines:
Avoid Overloading: Do not load excessive material into zirconia crucibles, as this increases the risk of uneven heating and potential damage.
Temperature Ramp Rates: Maintain a slow ramp rate and cooling rate to minimize thermal shock. Specifically:
Do not exceed 3°C/min during the sensitive temperature ranges of 100°C to 300°C and 1050°C to 1200°C.
In other temperature ranges, the rate can be faster but should remain below 5°C/min.
Cooling: Avoid removing the crucible from the furnace at high temperatures, as this can cause cracking. Ideally, remove it when the temperature is below 100°C.
Heating Methods: Do not heat zirconia crucibles with a torch or in furnaces that cannot control the rate of temperature change. Uneven heating can lead to cracking.
By adhering to these care guidelines, zirconia wares can provide reliable performance in high-temperature and chemically aggressive environments, making them invaluable in both industrial and laboratory settings.