Advanced Ceramic Material Characterization

Zhihao Ceramics offers a full range of advanced ceramic materials such as oxides, nitrides and carbides with excellent mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical properties for a wide range of high-demand applications in aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, medical, automotive and energy.

We not only provide materials, but also strive to continuously optimize material design and performance combinations to meet diverse market needs.

This page provides a systematic overview of the basic properties of various commonly used technical ceramic materials and a detailed table of material parameters to help you make scientific decisions when selecting the right material.

  • Mechanical properties (e.g., flexural strength, Young's modulus, hardness, fracture toughness)
  • Thermal properties (e.g., thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, maximum operating temperature)
  • Electrical properties (e.g., dielectric strength, resistivity, dielectric constant)
  • Chemical properties (e.g. acid resistance, oxidation resistance, alkali resistance)

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mechanical property

Mechanical properties define the performance of ceramics under mechanical loads such as compression, tension and bending. These properties include ceramic hardness, flexural strength, compressive strength, Young's modulus and fracture toughness. These properties are critical for wear-resistant ceramics, ceramic bearings, seals and high-load structural applications.

Related Keywords Explained:

  • Ceramic hardness: the ability to resist indentations or scratches on a surface.
  • Flexural strength of ceramics: the ability to resist bending forces without rupture.
  • Young's modulus of ceramics: a measure of stiffness under elastic deformation.
  • Fracture toughness of ceramics: the ability to resist crack extension and prevent fracture.
  • Ceramic compressive strength: the maximum compressive load that ceramic can withstand.

Mechanical Performance Parameter Table

makings Hardness (Hv) Flexural strength (MPa) Modulus of elasticity (GPa) Fracture toughness (MPa-m^1/2)
Aluminum oxide (99.7%) ~1800 300-400 370 3.5-4.5
Zirconia (Y-TZP) ~1200 900-1200 210 8-10
ZTA20 ~1500 500-700 300 6-7
silicon nitride ~1550 800-1000 320 6-8
silicon carbide ~2500 400-550 410 3.0-4.0
aluminum nitride ~1200 300-400 320 2.5-3.5
Processable ceramics ~500 150-200 65 1.5-2.0
Boron nitride (h-BN) ~100 <100 30 inapplicable
beryllium oxide ~1200 250-300 300 2.5-3.0

thermal performance

In applications involving high temperatures or rapid thermal cycling, thermal properties are critical. Characteristics such as thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion and maximum service temperature are critical for heat sinks, high temperature insulators and engine components.

Related Keywords Explained:

  • Thermal conductivity of ceramics: the ability to transfer heat efficiently.
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: The degree to which a material expands with temperature.
  • Ceramic Thermal Shock Resistance: Resistant to cracking under rapid temperature changes.
  • High-temperature ceramics: Ceramics that retain their strength and stability at temperatures higher than 1000°C.

Thermal Performance Parameter Table

makings Thermal conductivity (W/m-K) Coefficient of thermal expansion (10-⁶/K) Maximum operating temperature (°C)
aluminum oxide 25-35 7.5 1500
zirconium oxide 2-3 10-11 1000
zinc-thiourea 12-15 8-9 1450
silicon nitride 25-30 3.2 1300
silicon carbide 120-150 4.0 1600
aluminum nitride 170-200 4.5 1000
Processable ceramics 1.5 9.0 800
boron nitride 30-50 1.0 900
beryllium oxide 250 8.0 1200

Electrical Performance

Electrical properties determine the ability of a material to insulate or conduct electricity. Advanced ceramics such as electrically insulating ceramics or dielectric ceramics are widely used in capacitors, insulators, circuit boards and microwave devices.

Related Keywords Explained:

  • Dielectric strength of ceramics: the maximum voltage a material can withstand without electrical breakdown.
  • Volume resistivity: the resistance of a material to the flow of electric current.
  • Ceramic dielectric constant: the dielectric constant of a ceramic under an electric field.

Electrical Performance Parameter Table

makings Dielectric strength (kV/mm) Dielectric constant (1MHz) Volume resistivity (Ω-cm)
aluminum oxide 10-15 9-10 >10¹⁴
zirconium oxide 7-9 22-30 >10¹⁰
zinc-thiourea 9-11 15-20 >10¹²
silicon nitride 12 8-9 >10¹⁴
silicon carbide ~5 9-10 ~10⁵-10⁶ (semiconductors)
aluminum nitride 12-15 8.5 >10¹³
Processable ceramics 6-8 6 >10¹²
boron nitride 4-5 4 >10¹⁵
beryllium oxide 9-10 6.5-7 >10¹⁴

chemical resistance

Chemical stability determines a material's ability to withstand harsh chemical environments. Corrosion-resistant ceramics are ideal for chemical reactors, semiconductor equipment and medical sterilization systems.

Related Keywords Explained:

  • Corrosion resistance of ceramics: the ability to remain chemically inert when exposed to corrosive chemicals.
  • Ceramic chemical stability: long term resistance to degradation in harsh environments.
  • Ceramics in acidic and alkaline environments: performance of ceramics in contact with acids, alkalis and solvents.

Chemical Resistance Comparison Table

makings acid resistance alkali resistance antioxidant
aluminum oxide better desirable better
zirconium oxide desirable general desirable
zinc-thiourea better desirable better
silicon nitride better desirable better
silicon carbide better better better
aluminum nitride general differ from general
Processable ceramics general differ from general
boron nitride desirable differ from Good (inert to HF)
beryllium oxide desirable general desirable

Performance-based applications

Advanced ceramics are widely used in various industries due to their excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, electrical insulation and chemical resistance. This section introduces application cases based on different performance requirements to help engineers and product developers select the most suitable ceramic materials.

Ceramics such as zirconia, zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) and silicon nitride have high flexural strength and excellent fracture toughness, making them ideal for mechanically demanding environments.

Typical applications include:

  • Seats and check valves
  • Ball and roller bearings
  • Cutting tools and blades
  • Pump Plunger and Shaft
  • Structural support in high load environments

Key Features:

  • Excellent resistance to mechanical stress and fatigue
  • Long-term dimensional stability
  • High impact and crack resistance

Materials such as alumina, ZTA and silicon carbide are used in high friction or abrasive environments due to their excellent hardness and wear resistance.

Typical applications include:

  • Mechanical seals and plain bearings
  • Pump liners and plungers
  • Nozzles and Conduits
  • Spinning and drawing tools

Key Features:

  • High thermal conductivity with electrical insulation
  • Good resistance to thermal shock
  • Compatibility with welding and metallization

Aluminum nitride, silicon carbide and beryllium oxide have high thermal conductivity and are commonly used in electronic and optoelectronic systems to ensure effective heat dissipation.

Typical applications include:

  • Heat sinks and heat sinks
  • LED and laser diode holders
  • Power Electronics Substrates
  • Vacuum System Insulators

Key Features:

  • High thermal conductivity with electrical insulation
  • Good resistance to thermal shock
  • Compatibility with welding and metallization

Alumina, hexagonal boron nitride and machinable glass-ceramics offer high dielectric strength and resistivity for high voltage, RF and precision electronic components.

Typical applications include:

  • High voltage insulators and bushings
  • RF/Microwave Substrates
  • vacuum feedthrough
  • Electrostatic suction cups and isolation elements

Key Features:

  • Excellent dielectric properties
  • Low dielectric loss and stable dielectric constant
  • Reliable performance in high-frequency environments

For exposure to acids, alkalis and corrosive gases, materials such as silicon carbide, alumina and silicon nitride are ideal due to their chemical inertness and oxidation resistance.

Typical applications include:

  • Chemical reactor lining
  • Semiconductor Etched Components
  • Fluid Handling Systems
  • Exhaust and combustion components

Key Features:

  • Resistant to acids, alkalis and oxidizers
  • Low pollution, high purity
  • Stable in high temperature and chemical environments

Machinable glass ceramics (MGC) can be easily molded using conventional tools and are ideal for small production runs, complex geometries and rapid prototyping.

Typical applications include:

  • Customized test fixtures and spacers
  • Laser and optics holders
  • Vacuum compatible components
  • R&D components and rapid prototyping

Key Features:

  • Easy processing without sintering
  • Good electrical insulation
  • Stable in vacuum and at high temperatures

In fields such as semiconductor processing and analytical instruments, high-purity ceramics such as alumina (99.7%), aluminum nitride and boron nitride are favored for their ultra-low contamination and chemical stability.

Typical applications include:

  • Wafer handling and support components
  • Plasma Resistant Chamber Components
  • Precision Optical Mounts
  • Medical grade and sterile environment

Key Features:

  • Low exhaust and minimal pollution
  • High dielectric and thermal properties
  • Compatible with cleanroom and ultra-high pressure conditions

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceramic Material Properties

The selection of advanced ceramics depends on the performance requirements of the specific application. The following are examples based on the above properties:

Beryllium oxide (BeO) has the highest thermal conductivity (>230 W/m-K), followed by aluminum nitride (AlN). These ceramics are used in high-power electronic applications where heat dissipation is critical.

Yttrium stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) and ZTA are known for their high fracture toughness and compressive strength. They are commonly used in mechanical systems that require impact and fatigue resistance.

Most advanced ceramics are excellent insulators, such as alumina and boron nitride. However, some ceramics (e.g., silicon carbide) have semiconducting properties and are used in electronic devices for their specific electrical properties.

Silicon carbide and alumina are extremely resistant to acids, alkalis and oxidation and are commonly used in chemical plants, exhaust systems and semiconductor processing chambers.

While most technical ceramics are hard and brittle, materials such as machinable glass ceramics (e.g. MGC) are easy to machine with conventional tools. These materials are ideally suited for prototypes and complex shapes.

Advanced Ceramic Properties

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Let us help you choose the right material

At Chiho Ceramics, we specialize in supplying and processing advanced technical ceramics based on your design and performance requirements. Whether you are developing a new product or improving an existing component, our materials engineers can help you select the best ceramics for your industry.

  • Guidance on material selection

  • Custom machining and prototyping

  • Supply of High Performance Ceramics