Zirkoniumoxids
Zirkoniumoxid, also known as zirconia, is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium. Its chemical formula is ZrO2. It is a refractory ceramic material, meaning it can withstand high temperatures. Zirconia is found naturally in the mineral baddeleyite, but it is more commonly produced synthetically. The pure form of zirconia is a white powder. It is known for its exceptional hardness, strength, and fracture toughness. However, pure zirconia undergoes phase transformations upon heating and cooling, which can lead to cracking. To overcome this, it is often stabilized with other oxides like yttrium oxide or calcium oxide, forming stabilized zirconia. This stabilization process significantly improves its mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance. Zirconia has a very high melting point, around 2700 °C, making it suitable for high-temperature applications. It is also chemically inert, resisting corrosion from most acids and alkalis. These properties make zirconia a valuable material in various industries.
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