1 Introduction
Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) is an oxide of zirconium that is widely used in industry, particularly in ceramics. It is a white powder, insoluble in all but concentrated acids, and has the highest thermal conductivity of any oxide in the world, making it a popular choice for many heating and cooling applications. Zirconium dioxide is also used in heat-resistant articles such as crucibles and saggars, and for crucible linings in certain types of industrial furnaces. For this reason, zirconium dioxide is particularly well-suited for a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of electrical components and in industrial coatings. Additionally, zirconium dioxide is also used in the creation of optical component like mirrors and lenses.
2 Structure
The structure of zirconium dioxide is unique. At room temperature, ZrO2 has a monoclinic structure, while at higher temperatures it changes to a tetragonal structure, and then to a cubic structure at temperatures higher than 3200˚C. The exact structure of ZrO2-based compounds depends on the composition, temperature and pressure. The different structures of zirconium dioxide are the basis for its many uses in the production of industrial articles, such as crucibles, and its ability to serve as a diffraction grating for spectroscopic analysis.
3 Properties
The properties of zirconium dioxide play an important role in its suitability for various industrial applications. ZrO2 boasts properties such as high electrical resistivity, high thermal and mechanical stability, and a high melting point, making it an ideal choice for specialized industrial tasks. Its corrosion resistant properties make it invaluable in the production and use of electrical components, and its extreme hardness, coupled with its high melting point, make it invaluable for crucibles and other applications under high temperatures. Additionally, its low specific gravity and low dielectric constant make it ideal for use in optical components, and its high electrical resistivity makes it an ideal insulator.
4 Applications
Due to its various properties, zirconium dioxide is highly suitable for a variety of industrial applications. It is used in a wide array of crucible materials, optical components, and electric components, including for the insulation of electric circuits. It is also used in the production of coated electrodes, heating elements, and various heat-resistant articles, such as saggars and plates. Lastly, ZrO2 is also used as a reagent in various chemical reactions, and in the production of special glasses and ceramic glazes.
5 Chlorination of Zirconium Dioxide
Chlorination of zirconium dioxide is one of the major processes used to improve its properties for industrial applications. Chlorination involves the taking of chlorinated compounds of mixed valency, such as ZrCl 5 , ZrCl 6 and ZrCl 4 , and reacting them in with oxygen and potassium chloride. This process is thermally activated and results in a material that is more stable and more resistant to thermal shock. The chlorinated material also has improved electrical resistivity, making it suitable for use in the insulation of electrical components. The chlorinated material also has higher optical transparency, higher thermal conductivity, and improved surface finish, making it well-suited for optical components and for the production of high-quality finishes for certain components.
6 Conclusion
In conclusion, zirconium dioxide is an important material in many industrial applications due to its unique properties and its variety of uses. Its chlorination process further increases its usefulness due to improved thermal, optical and electrical properties. With its high melting point and resistance to corrosion, zirconium dioxide is invaluable for applications involving high temperature or electrical components and for producing high-quality finishes for various components. For this reason, it is an important material in many industrial applications and will continue to be so for many years to come.
