Ceramic Rods Made from Aluminium Oxide Containing Zirconium Dioxide (ZTA) – Description
Zirconium dioxide‐hardened aluminium oxide ceramic (ZTA composite ceramic) has defined properties including a set level of whiteness, corrosion resistance and chemical stability. Aluminium oxide contributes hardness, while zirconium dioxide increases fracture toughness. The combination of these materials produces a composite with measured strength and toughness, thereby allowing its use in a variety of technical applications.
At ambient temperatures, ZTA ceramic exhibits increased bending strength and fracture toughness. This results in improved wear resistance. The ratio of aluminium oxide to zirconium dioxide can be adjusted to meet specific user requirements. Zirconium dioxide–prestressed aluminium oxide ceramic performs at a higher level than 99 % aluminium oxide ceramic and is more cost‑efficient than pure zirconium dioxide ceramic.

Ceramic Rods Made from Hardened Zirconium Dioxide (ZTA) – Specification
|
Condition
|
Unit
|
ZTA Substrate
|
ZTA
|
Material
|
-
|
-
|
Al2O3/ZrO2
|
Colour
|
-
|
-
|
White
|
Bulk density
|
-
|
g/cm3
|
4
|
Surface roughness Ra
|
-
|
µm
|
0.2
|
Reflectance
|
0.3-0.4 mmt
|
%
|
80
|
0.8-1.0 mmt
|
90
|
Mechanical
|
Bending strength
|
3‑point method
|
MPa
|
700
|
Elastic modulus
|
-
|
GPa
|
310
|
Vickers hardness
|
-
|
GPa
|
15
|
Fracture toughness
|
IF method
|
MPa-m1/2
|
3.5
|
Thermal
|
Thermal expansion coefficient
|
40-400°C
|
10-6/K
|
7.1
|
40-800°C
|
8
|
Thermal conductivity
|
25°C
|
W/(m・K)
|
27
|
300°C
|
16
|
Specific heat
|
25°C
|
J/(kg・K)
|
720
|
Electrical
|
Dielectric constant
|
1MHz
|
-
|
10.2
|
Dielectric loss factor
|
1MHz
|
10-3
|
0.2
|
Volume resistivity
|
25°C
|
Ω・cm
|
>1 014
|
Dielectric strength
|
DC
|
kV/mm
|
>15
|
Performance of Al2O3, ZTA and YTZ
Item
|
Unit
|
Alumina (AL2O3)
|
Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)
|
AL2O3≥95
|
AL2O3≥99
|
AL2O3≥99.5
|
AL2O3≥99.8
|
ZTA
|
YTZ
|
Bulk density
|
g/cm3
|
3.7
|
3.80~3.85
|
3.85
|
3.9
|
3.8~4.6
|
6
|
Hardness, HRA≥
|
|
86
|
88
|
88
|
88
|
86~88
|
88~90
|
Bending strength
|
MPa≥
|
300
|
350
|
400
|
400
|
172~450
|
900
|
Maximum operating temperature
|
°C
|
1500
|
1500
|
1500
|
1500
|
1400~1500
|
1500
|
Linear expansion coefficient
|
×10-6/°C
|
7.5
|
8.2
|
8.2
|
8.2
|
|
|
Dielectric constant, εr (20°C, 1MHz)
|
|
9
|
9.2
|
9.2
|
9.2
|
|
|
Dielectric loss
|
tanδ×10-4, 1MHz
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
|
Volume resistivity
|
Ω-cm (20°C)
|
1 013
|
1 014
|
1 014
|
1 014
|
1 013
|
1 014
|
Dielectric strength
|
kV/mm, DC≥
|
20
|
20
|
20
|
20
|
|
|
Acid resistance
|
mg/cm2≤
|
0.7
|
0.7
|
0.7
|
0.7
|
|
|
Alkali resistance
|
mg/cm2≤
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
|
|
Wear resistance
|
g/cm2≤
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
|
|
Compressive strength
|
MPa≥
|
2 500
|
2 500
|
2 500
|
2 800
|
2 300~2 900
|
2 500
|
Bending strength
|
MPa≥
|
200
|
350
|
350
|
350
|
|
|
Elastic modulus
|
GPa
|
300
|
350
|
350
|
350
|
|
|
Poisson's ratio
|
|
0.2
|
0.22
|
0.22
|
0.22
|
|
|
Thermal conductivity coefficient
|
W/m-K (20°C)
|
20
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
|
|
Applications of Zirconium Dioxide-Hardened Aluminium Oxide (ZTA) Ceramic Rods
Ceramic rods made from zirconium dioxide–hardened aluminium oxide (ZTA) are utilised across various sectors. They are used in mechanical engineering as wear components in pumps, seals, bearings and cutting tools for machining applications. In the medical field, ZTA is employed for surgical instruments given its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. The semiconductor industry uses ZTA during wafer processing, given its thermal stability and measured mechanical properties. In chemical processing, ZTA is selected for reactor components because of its resistance to corrosion and aggressive chemicals. In aerospace, automotive and energy sectors, ZTA is applied in engine components and gas turbines where its strength, thermal stability and wear resistance are required. Furthermore, ZTA is used in consumer products such as sports equipment due to its durability and low weight. Overall, ceramic rods from zirconium dioxide–hardened aluminium oxide deliver consistent performance and operational lifetime in critical technical components.
Packaging for Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) Ceramic Rods
Our ZTA rods are externally labelled and marked to enable efficient identification and quality control. The products are wrapped in plastic foam for impact protection and are finally packed in wooden crates. Care is taken during storage and transportation to ensure no damage occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can ZTA ceramic rods be customised for specific applications?
Yes, ZTA ceramic rods can be customised in terms of composition, microstructure, dimensions, tolerances, surface finish and other properties to meet the specific requirements of various applications.
- How are ZTA ceramic rods handled and processed?
ZTA ceramic rods should be handled with care to prevent damage, particularly during transport, storage and machining. For shaping and final processing, diamond tools or abrasive grinding methods are frequently employed.
- Are ZTA ceramic rods suitable for high temperature applications?
Yes, ZTA ceramic rods exhibit thermal stability and can withstand high temperatures, thereby making them suitable for use in high‑temperature environments.