Advantages and Disadvantages of Zirconia Ceramic
Zirconia ceramic (ZrO₂) is an advanced ceramic material primarily composed of zirconium dioxide. Due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties, it is widely used in various fields.
Advantages of Zirconia Ceramic
1.High Strength and Toughness
Zirconia ceramic (ZrO2 ceramic) exhibits high flexural strength, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness. Among all ceramic materials, it has one of the highest bending and tensile strengths, making it an excellent choice for wear-resistant applications in demanding environments.
2.Superior Hardness
Superhard zirconia has a Mohs hardness of approximately 8.5, making it one of the hardest materials available. Its scratch and wear resistance are comparable to that of steel, ensuring long-lasting performance in high-friction applications.
3.Excellent Biocompatibility
Zirconia ceramic is highly biocompatible and does not release harmful substances when in contact with biological tissues. Due to its exceptional hardness and smooth surface, it is commonly used for dental crowns, bone implants, and medical applications. Additionally, its aesthetic appeal makes it a popular material for jewelry and decorative items.
4.Outstanding Chemical Inertness
Zirconia ceramic is highly resistant to various chemical substances and corrosive environments, making it a preferred choice for industrial applications requiring extreme durability.
5.Excellent Thermal Insulation
With its low thermal conductivity, zirconia ceramic is an effective thermal insulator. It helps reduce heat transfer and improves energy efficiency, making it ideal for insulation applications in high-temperature environments.
Disadvantages of Zirconia Ceramic
1.Brittleness
Although superhard zirconia reaches a Mohs hardness of 9, its toughness is lower compared to metals. It is prone to chipping, cracking, or breaking upon impact or accidental drops, limiting its use in high-impact applications.
2.Aging and Temperature Sensitivity
The toughness of zirconia ceramic depends on stabilizing agents, but it degrades over time due to heat and environmental exposure. Additionally, zirconia ceramic undergoes low-temperature aging, meaning that in humid environments below 400°C, it experiences a phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic zirconia. This transformation leads to surface microcracks and increased roughness, ultimately resulting in reduced strength and toughness.
3.Poor Thermal Shock Resistance
Zirconia ceramic is susceptible to cracking or breaking under sudden temperature fluctuations, restricting its use in applications where frequent temperature changes occur.
4.Difficult Machinability
Due to its high hardness, zirconia ceramic is more challenging to machine and process compared to metals. The complex manufacturing process and higher costs may limit its widespread use in certain industries.
