Zirconia – IBUpart® ZrO2

Various Specific Surfaces and Yttrium-Stabilized Available

IBUpart® ZrO2 is a high-quality zirconium oxide – base material for ceramic materials with the highest requirements and other applications where very high loads, also from acids, can occur and durability is essential. With IBU-tec material, sintering densities of over 99% can be achieved – even without hot isotonic post densification (HIP).

The material properties of zirconia strongly depend on the thermal treatment of the material, IBU-tec's core competence for decades. It is used to influence the properties, be it resistance to acids or thermal-mechanical stress.

Zirconia from IBU-tec can also be supplied with yttrium doping, stabilized for better temperature stability and prevention of phase transformation in some manufacturing processes.

Sinter densities of over 99% even without hot isotonic post densification (HIP).

Zirconia available in two specific surfaces and yttrium stabilized.

Dental applications, polishing agents, chromatography, synthesis of industrial ceramics.

 IBUpart® ZrO2 30IBUpart® ZrO2 70

IBUpart® ZrO2 70 yttrium-stabilized

Specific surface area30 ± 5 m2/g70 ± 5 m2/g70 ± 5 m2/g
Primary particle size30 – 70 nm15 – 20 nm15 – 20 nm
Agglomerate size1 – 5 µm0,3 – 0,5 µm0,3 – 0,5 µm
Purity> 99 wt.%> 99 wt.%94,9 ZrO2 / 5,1 Y2O3
Bulk density500 kg/m380 kg/m3100 – 200 kg/m3
Crystallographic phaseTetragonal + monoclinicTetragonal + monoclinic/
Possible applications
  • Polishing agents
  • Catalysis
  • 3D printing
  • Dental
  • Catalysis
  • Polishing agents
  • 3D printing
  • Technical ceramics
  • Bioceramics
  • Powder coating
  • Sensors
  • SOFC
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Properties and Application of Zirconia

IBUpart® ZrO2 is highly resistant to acids and alkalis and can withstand even large chemical, mechanical and thermal loads, making it ideal for applications in which durability is essential. Oxide ceramics made of zirconium oxide can thus serve as a material for technical applications due to their properties. The profile of the resistance properties is shaped by the thermal treatment, such as to which acids the ceramic is resistant. This is where IBU-tec's decades of experience in calcination pays off.

ZrO2 ceramics are used in the technical field, in mechanical engineering or as a component of refractory ceramics. Prostheses in medical technology are also often made of zirconium oxide, and the material has become particularly important in dental technology. For corrosion protection of metallic components and as a temperature barrier, ZrO2 coatings are applied by thermal spray processes. Its high scratch resistance makes it a popular additive in many types of coatings.

Pure zirconium oxide can also be used as a starting material for mixed oxides. Intimate milling and subsequent sintering can produce tailored materials for applications in sensors and catalytic converters. Undoped ZrO2 undergoes a phase transformation upon temperature treatment, changing the volume of the workpiece, which can lead to the destruction of the ceramic part. Stabilization with various dopants such as yttrium oxide, cerium oxide or magnesium oxide can prevent this undesirable phase transformation.

Yttrium-stabilized zirconia is a good conductor of oxide ions. Because of this property, the stabilized material is used in oxygen sensors and as an electrolyte in solid-state fuel cells.

Zirconium Oxide – Background, Production and Experience

Zirconium oxides (collectively referred to as zirconia) occur in three phases: monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic, with the monoclinic and tetragonal phases being of particular interest to IBU-tec. In this context, "zirconia" has established itself as a common name, but can be used synonymously with zirconia or with zirconium oxide.

IBU-tec has experience in the development and production of various zirconium oxides. Thus, powder materials can be provided that achieve sinter densities beyond 99% – even without hot isotonic post densification (HIP). IBUpart® ZrO2 is available in two primary particle sizes and yttrium-stabilized.