Tsirkooniumoksiidi

Tsirkooniumoksiidi, also known as zirconia, is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium with the chemical formula ZrO2. It is a highly refractory ceramic material, meaning it can withstand very high temperatures. Zirconia is known for its exceptional strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and corrosion.

Naturally occurring zirconium is found in minerals such as zircon (ZrSiO4). Zirconium dioxide is produced from these minerals through various chemical processes. It exists in several crystalline forms, including monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic, with the cubic form being the most stable at high temperatures. Stabilized zirconia, where other oxides like yttrium oxide or calcium oxide are added, is crucial for preventing phase transformations and maintaining structural integrity at elevated temperatures.

The unique properties of zirconia make it valuable in a wide range of applications. It is extensively used in dentistry for dental crowns, bridges, and implants due to its biocompatibility, strength, and aesthetic qualities. In industry, it serves as a thermal barrier coating on turbine blades, as refractory linings in furnaces and kilns, and as a component in oxygen sensors. Its hardness also lends itself to use in cutting tools and wear-resistant components. Furthermore, zirconia's ionic conductivity at high temperatures makes it a key material in solid oxide fuel cells.