Description of ZTA Tubes
Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) composite ceramics exhibit defined material properties including a high degree of whiteness, resistance to corrosion and chemical stability. Aluminium oxide provides high hardness, and zirconium dioxide contributes quantifiable toughness. The combination of these materials yields a composite ceramic with high mechanical strength and fracture toughness, thereby supporting a broad range of technical applications.
ZTA ceramics present higher bending strength and fracture toughness at ambient temperature, which results in improved wear resistance. The ratio of aluminium oxide to zirconium dioxide can be adjusted to meet specific technical requirements. Zirconium dioxide-prestressed aluminium oxide ceramics outperform ceramics made of 99% aluminium oxide in measured performance and offer a more cost-effective alternative to pure zirconium dioxide ceramics.
This renders ZTA ceramics an appropriate choice when standard aluminium oxide ceramics do not satisfy application requirements, as they maintain the necessary mechanical properties while providing improved cost performance.
Specifications for ZTA Tubes
|
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 mm
|
%
|
80
|
|
0.8–1.0 mm
|
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
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
|
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
|
>10¹⁴
|
|
Breakdown 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 Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
|
×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)
|
10¹³
|
10¹⁴
|
10¹⁴
|
10¹⁴
|
10¹³
|
10¹⁴
|
|
Breakdown 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≥
|
2500
|
2500
|
2500
|
2800
|
2300 – 2900
|
2500
|
|
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
|
W/m-K (20°C)
|
20
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
|
|
Applications of ZTA Tubes
In mechanical engineering, ZTA tubes are employed for wear-intensive components such as pump seals, bearings and shafts, owing to their high breakdown strength and thermal stability. In the chemical industry, ZTA tubes are used as corrosion-resistant linings for reactors and as seals in chemically aggressive environments, given their material inertia and durability. In medical and biotechnological research, ZTA tubes serve in laboratory apparatus and implantable devices due to their biocompatibility and measured mechanical performance, while in the electronics sector, they are incorporated as high-temperature insulators and components in semiconductor fabrication. In the energy sector, ZTA provides thermal barrier properties in gas turbines and heat exchangers that operate under elevated temperatures and variable conditions. In aerospace and automotive applications, ZTA is utilised in engine components that require high mechanical strength, thermal stability and wear resistance. Furthermore, ZTA tubes are implemented in environmental and analytical instruments because of their resistance to aggressive gases in gas analysis and environmental monitoring systems.
Packaging of ZTA Tubes
Our ZTA tubes are clearly marked and labelled to support efficient identification and quality control. The products are separated using impact-resistant foam and subsequently packed in wooden or cardboard boxes. Care is taken during storage and transport to prevent any damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can ZTA tubes be customised for specific applications?
Yes, ZTA tubes can be customised in terms of composition, microstructure, dimensions, tolerances, surface finish and other properties to meet the specific requirements of various applications.
- Are ZTA tubes suitable for high‐temperature applications?
Yes, ZTA tubes exhibit thermal stability and can withstand elevated temperatures. They are therefore appropriate for use in environments with high operating temperatures, such as ovens, furnaces and reactors.
- How should ZTA tubes be handled and installed?
ZTA tubes should be handled with care to avoid damage, particularly during transport, storage and installation. Proper cleaning and inspection procedures must be followed to ensure optimal performance.
Converters & Calculators
