The compound can be synthesized through multiple methods. One approach involves dissolving zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4) or sodium zirconate (Na4ZrO4) in a hydrochloric acid solution, followed by evaporation to yield octahydrate crystals.
Another method involves the reaction of zirconium tetrachloride with chlorine oxide:
ZrCl4 + Cl2O → ZrOCl2 + 2Cl2
Fused Zirconia: Crafting Excellence
To produce fused zirconia, zircon is introduced into an electric arc furnace, where it undergoes a reaction at an extremely high temperature of 2,800 degrees Celsius. This process results in the formation of molten zirconia and silica.
The collected silica fume is separated from the mixture, while the zirconia transforms into a coarse granular material known for its exceptional quality and properties.
Distinctive Characteristics of Fused Zirconia
Fused Zirconia, chemically denoted as ZrO2, results from the meticulous reduction and fusion of zircon sand in an electric arc furnace, reaching temperatures surpassing 2,600°C. Once the fusion process concludes and the fused zirconia has cooled, it undergoes precise crushing and sizing to meet exact specifications.
It’s Versatile Applications
Fused Zirconia’s diverse properties make it an excellent choice for various high-end refractory, ceramic, and abrasive applications. It finds utility across different industries and sectors:
- Refractories used in steel and glass production
- Manufacturing heat-resistant refractory materials and shapes
- Creating fused cast bricks for glass furnaces
- Crafting special refractories like slide gates, long nozzles, and crucibles
- Utilizing ceramic filters for foundry casting
- Applying ceramic colors and glazes
Additional Applications
- Employed as friction components in the automotive sector, such as brake linings
- Used in technical ceramics and electronics, including setter plates and saggers
- Employed in making zirconium metals and alloys
- Utilized for zirconium sponge to create structural parts for reactors in the nuclear industry
Fused Zirconia Selection
Our meticulously graded, crushed, and sized fused Zirconia offers a variety of five purities, reaching up to 99.3 wt% ZrO2. You can acquire these grades in either milled or unmilled variations, tailored to your needs.
The standard unmilled sizes include <0.5mm or <10 mm, while the milled sizes consist of 6um, 4.5um, and 3um. Custom sizes are available upon request.
We at Global Minerals Exporters produce a line of products with low uranium and thorium levels (<500ppm combined).
