Alumina and
zirconia have their own characteristics in wear resistance, but in general, zirconia has relatively better wear resistance. The following is a detailed comparative analysis:
alumina and zirconia ceramic parts produced by Mingrui Ceramics
Hardness and wear resistance:
Alumina ceramics have a high hardness, second only to diamond, which makes alumina ceramics have good scratch resistance when in contact with hard objects.
Zirconia ceramics are also very hard, about twice as hard as silicon carbide, which makes zirconia have excellent wear resistance under high loads, high speeds and harsh environments. According to a study, the wear resistance of zirconia ceramics is 15 times that of alumina ceramics.
Toughness:
Zirconium oxide ceramics are not only hard, but also have good toughness. This toughness can prevent the ceramic from breaking when it is impacted, further enhancing its wear resistance.
Although alumina ceramics have high hardness, their toughness is slightly inferior to zirconia.
Grain size and grain boundary structure:
Zirconia ceramics have a smaller grain size and a higher grain boundary density, which makes the grain boundary play an effective barrier and reduce the amount of wear when worn. Alumina ceramics have a larger grain size, but its grain boundary structure is more complex and contains a variety of phase change products, which can also play a certain dispersion and buffering role when worn.
Other characteristics:
Zirconia ceramics also have a low friction coefficient, which helps to reduce friction loss and wear.
Alumina ceramics can still maintain good wear resistance under high temperature and corrosive environment, thanks to its good thermal stability and chemical stability.
Price:
The price of zirconia ceramics is relatively high, which is mainly related to its excellent performance and complex production process. The cost of alumina ceramics is relatively low, so it has been widely used in some occasions where the wear resistance requirements are not particularly high.
In summary, from the perspective of wear resistance, zirconia ceramics have relatively better wear resistance. However, in practical applications, it is also necessary to consider multiple factors such as material cost, process requirements, and use environment to make a choice. For occasions with severe wear, zirconia ceramics may be a better choice; while for some cost-sensitive occasions that do not require particularly high wear resistance, alumina ceramics are a more economical choice.
