Knowra Zirconium dioxide Zirconium dioxide Zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), also called zirconia, is a refractory inorganic oxide. Its crystal structure changes with temperature, and stabilizing its high-temperature phases gives it useful toughness and ionic conductivity.
Zirconium : A transition metal with atomic number 40, used in alloys, ceramics, and nuclear technology. Zirconium atoms form the cation framework of ZrO₂.
Transformation toughening : A toughening mechanism in which stress triggers a phase change that absorbs energy and resists crack growth. Tetragonal zirconia grains can transform near a crack and compress its advancing tip.
Zirconia ceramic : A ceramic material made primarily from zirconium dioxide, often modified with stabilizing oxides. Engineering zirconia compositions yields strong components for wear, heat, and structural service.
Alumina : Aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃, a hard ceramic used in abrasives, electronics, and engineering components. Alumina is generally stiffer and less transformation-toughened than zirconia.
Zircon : A natural zirconium silicate mineral, ZrSiO₄, valued as a gemstone and used as an ore of zirconium. Zircon is a distinct silicate mineral, not zirconia, despite the similar name.
Oxygen vacancy : A missing oxygen ion at a normally occupied site in a crystal lattice. Dopant substitution creates oxygen vacancies that enable ion transport through stabilized zirconia.
Dental zirconia : A zirconia-based ceramic used for dental crowns, bridges, and other restorations. Its strength and biocompatibility make zirconia a common material for tooth-colored restorations.
Silicon carbide : A hard ceramic compound of silicon and carbon used in abrasives, refractories, and electronic devices. Silicon carbide offers high thermal conductivity and hardness, unlike zirconia's lower conductivity and transformation toughening.
Monoclinic crystal system : A crystal system with three unequal cell edges and one oblique angle. At ordinary pressure and room temperature, pure zirconia has a monoclinic crystal structure.
Solid oxide fuel cell : An electrochemical device that converts fuel and oxygen into electricity using a solid oxide electrolyte. Yttria-stabilized zirconia can conduct oxygen ions as the electrolyte in these cells.
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