Zirconium OxideThere are 2 main types of monoclinic zirconium oxide: one is from a thermal route and the direct fusion of zircon sand; and the other is the chemical precipitation of zirconium chemicals. Monoclinic Zirconium Oxide - Chemically Precipitated :Chemical preparation, calcination and milling stages lead to the production of high purity chemical grade zirconium oxide. Process control enables very specific particle morphology, particle size and surface area which all greatly affect the powders performance. Zircomet supplies a range of chemical zirconia powders with different purities, from 99.0 to 99.99% ZrO2, and also physical characteristics including particle size and surface area. Zircomet can also work with customers in the production of tailored powders to meet individual requirements Monoclinic Zirconium Oxide - Fused:The dissociation of zirconium oxide and silica can be carried out at high temperatures in an electric arc furnace to produce a fused zirconium oxide. The silica is reduced to the volatile silicon monoxide that reoxidises at the furnace mouth and is recovered in dust collectors as silica fume. The zirconia is reduced to the carbide and can be roasted in air to produce the fused zirconium oxide. Fused zirconium oxide is a lower purity oxide, typically in the range of 98-99% ZrO and is used in refractories, pigments and abrasives. With the reduced availability of baddeleyite, fused zirconium oxide has become the substitute. For many applications of fused zirconia the particle size distribution is very important. Zircomet Limited supplies a range of mesh sizes and finer particles and can supply powders tailored to individual specifications. |