Uses of Chempure Zirconia Plates
Zirconia plates, known for their high strength, thermal stability, and chemical inertness, are utilized in various applications across different industries:
High-Temperature Applications:
Used as support or substrate in high-temperature furnaces and kilns due to their ability to withstand temperatures up to 2000°C.
Ideal for use in high-temperature processing of metals, ceramics, and glass.
Electronics Industry:
Employed as substrates for thin-film deposition and in semiconductor manufacturing.
Used in the production of electronic components that require high thermal and chemical stability.
Analytical and Research Laboratories:
Utilized as sample holders and carriers in analytical instruments and for material testing.
Essential in applications involving high-temperature reactions and ashing processes.
Chemical Processing:
Used as liners and protective barriers in chemical reactors and processing equipment due to their resistance to corrosive environments.
Suitable for use in catalytic converters and other chemical reaction vessels.
Medical and Dental Applications:
Used in the fabrication of dental prosthetics and implants because of their biocompatibility and durability.
Applied in surgical instruments and medical devices that require high wear resistance.
Manufacturing and Engineering:
Employed in the production of wear-resistant components and tools.
Used in advanced manufacturing processes that require precision and high durability.
Nuclear Industry:
Utilized as components in nuclear reactors due to their high resistance to radiation and thermal shock.
Advantages of Zirconia Plates:
High Strength and Toughness: Zirconia plates are extremely strong and resistant to cracking, making them suitable for demanding applications.
Thermal Stability: They can maintain their properties at high temperatures, making them ideal for high-temperature processes.
Chemical Inertness: Resistant to most acids, bases, and solvents, ensuring they do not react with materials they come into contact with.
Biocompatibility: Safe for use in medical and dental applications without causing adverse reactions.
Wear Resistance: Highly durable and resistant to wear, extending the lifespan of the components made from them.
To maximize their performance and lifespan, zirconia plates should be handled with care, particularly in terms of gradual heating and cooling to prevent thermal shock.
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.