Advanced Ceramics - What they are, Properties and Benefits
Advanced ceramics represent a special class of materials that combine unique properties, such as high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, heat resistance and low thermal and electrical conductivity. These materials have revolutionized numerous industries, from aerospace to medicine, due to their versatility and exceptional performance in extreme conditions.
At Materially, we stand out as experts in advanced ceramic materials that meet the most demanding and demanding applications. In powder, coating or even as a sintered component, each ceramic material offers unique properties that make them indispensable in demanding applications. Here we explore some of the most important advanced ceramics and their uses in different industrial sectors:
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Silicon nitride (Si3N4):
Silicon nitride is a ceramic compound consisting of silicon and nitrogen. It is known for its exceptional mechanical strength and chemical stability. Available in powder forms, sintered parts and coatings.
Common applications:
- Bearing components
- Cutting tools
- Engine parts
- Structural components in high temperature applications.
Properties and Advantages:
- High mechanical and thermal resistance.
- Corrosion resistance
- Low density
- Excellent chemical stability.
These properties are crucial in applications requiring resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, such as in engines or industrial machinery.
Alumina(Al2O3):
Alumina is an aluminum oxide known for its high hardness and wear resistance. It is available in powder forms, sintered parts and coatings.
Common Applications:
- Cutting tools
- Protective coatings
- High temperature components
- Wear parts in abrasive environments
Properties and Advantages:
- High hardness
- Wear resistance
- Chemical stability
- Excellent thermal resistance
These properties are essential in applications requiring wear resistance and dimensional stability in abrasive and corrosive environments.
Zirconium oxide (ZrO2):
Zirconium oxide is a ceramic compound known for its high fracture toughness and thermal stability. It is available in powder forms, castings and coatings.
Common Applications:
- Valve components
- High speed cutting tools
- Protective coatings
- Structural components in high temperature applications
Properties and Advantages:
- High toughness
- Fracture resistance
- Thermal stability
- Excellent chemical resistance
These properties are crucial in applications requiring fracture toughness and dimensional stability in aggressive environments.
Silicon Carbide (SIC):
Silicon Carbide is a ceramic compound known for its high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. It is available in powder forms, sintered parts and coatings.
Common Applications:
- Gas turbine components.
- Heat exchangers
- Power electronics devices
- High speed cutting tools
Properties and Advantages:
- High thermal conductivity
- Corrosion resistance
- High mechanical strength
- Chemical stability
These properties are essential in applications requiring effective heat dissipation and corrosion resistance in aggressive environments.
Aluminum Nitride (AlN):
Aluminum Nitride is a ceramic compound known for its high thermal conductivity and thermal shock resistance. It is available in powder forms, integrated circuit substrates and electronic components.
Common Applications:
- Integrated circuit substrates
- LED lighting components
- Power electronic systems
- High frequency devices
Properties and Advantages:
- High thermal conductivity
- Thermal shock resistance
- Chemical stability
- Excellent electrical insulation
These properties are crucial in applications requiring effective heat dissipation and electrical insulation in high power and high frequency environments.
Titanium diboride (TiB2):
Titanium Diboride is a ceramic compound known for its high hardness and wear resistance. It is available in powder forms, protective coatings and structural components.
Common Applications:
- Protective coatings for cutting tools.
- Casting molds
- Turbine components
- Wear parts in abrasive environments
Properties and advantages:
- High hardness
- Wear resistance
- Thermal stability
- Excellent chemical resistance
These properties are essential in applications requiring wear resistance and dimensional stability in abrasive and corrosive environments.
Hot Pressed Target Materials
Hot pressed ceramic materials are used in the manufacture of targets for physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes.
Common Applications:
- Electronic device manufacturing.
- Functional coatings
- Optoelectronic devices
Properties and Advantages:
- High density
- Uniformity
- Excellent chemical stability
These properties are essential in applications requiring high quality targets and functional coatings with controlled optical and electrical properties.
