Last updated: 2026-01
Material Identity
- Chemical name: Zirconium dioxide
- Common name: Nano zirconia oxide
- Formula: ZrO2
- CAS number: 1314-23-4
- Physical form: inorganic ceramic nanopowder
- What it is not: not a metal oxide conductor, not a polymer additive, not a carbon material
Activation & Trigger Conditions
- Trigger: thermal and mechanical loading within ceramic systems
- Energy domain: lattice stability, phase structure, and defect chemistry
- Absent trigger: no functional contribution without integration into a solid matrix
- Insufficient condition: poor dispersion or uncontrolled phase limits reinforcement effects
- Excess condition: excessive grain growth reduces nanoscale advantages
Functional Role
- Provides high thermal and chemical stability
- Contributes to mechanical reinforcement in ceramic matrices
- Acts as a structural oxide in high-temperature environments
- Supports functional ceramic behavior depending on crystal phase
Application Windows
- Compatible systems: structural ceramics, electronic ceramics, composites, coatings
- Loading range: formulation-dependent; no universal loading applies
- Processing notes: dispersion, phase stabilization, and sintering profile strongly influence outcomes
Limitations & Failure Modes
- Agglomeration → uneven microstructure → reduced mechanical performance
- Uncontrolled phase transformation → volume instability → cracking risk
- Over-sintering → grain coarsening → loss of nanoscale benefits
Alternatives & Trade-offs
- Aluminum oxide: simpler processing but lower fracture toughness
- Titanium dioxide: functional oxide with different thermal and mechanical behavior
- Silicon carbide: higher hardness but less phase flexibility
When to Use
- When high-temperature and chemical stability are required
- When ceramic reinforcement at the nanoscale is beneficial
- When phase-dependent properties can be controlled
- When long-term structural reliability is critical
FAQ
Is nano zirconia oxide electrically conductive?
No. Zirconia is generally electrically insulating unless specifically doped for ionic conduction.
Why does phase control matter?
Different zirconia phases exhibit different stability and mechanical responses, which affect performance.
Why do properties vary between grades?
Differences arise from particle size, phase composition, surface condition, and processing history.
Data
No numerical values are listed. Particle size, phase distribution, surface area, and sintering behavior are grade-specific and should be verified via COA and application testing.
Sources
Supplier technical documentation for nano zirconia grades and general ceramic materials literature.