Volume resistivity of advanced ceramics

Volume resistivity is a fundamental electrical property that defines how strongly a material resists the flow of electrical current. Volume resistivity is particularly important in applications that require electrical insulation, high heat resistance and stability in extreme environments - areas where advanced ceramics excel.

Ceramic materials such as alumina (Al₂O₃), zirconia (ZrO₂), and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) are used in a wide range of applications such as electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and power systems precisely because of their excellent insulating properties.

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bulk resistivity

What is volume resistivity?

Volume resistivity (ρv) is measured in ohm-centimeters (Ω-cm) and is used to quantify the resistance of a material per unit cube. It differs from surface resistivity, which measures the resistance of a material's surface.

The higher the volume resistivity, the better the material's insulating properties. In the case of ceramics, this property is critical to preventing leakage, component failure, and signal distortion.

Why is high volume resistivity important?

  • Prevent leakage of high voltage components
  • Ensure signal integrity of electronic circuits
  • Improving the safety of aerospace and medical devices
  • Realization of thermal isolation of power electronics

Volume resistivity data for key advanced ceramics

Ceramic materials Volume resistivity (Ω-cm) commentaries
Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) ~10¹⁴ - 10¹⁶ Stable and cost-effective insulator
Zirconium oxide (ZrO₂)  ~10¹⁰ - 10¹² Lower than aluminum oxide, high strength
ZTA20 ~10¹¹ - 10¹³ Toughened aluminum oxide, good compromise
Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)  ~10¹² - 10¹⁴ High mechanical strength + good insulation
Aluminum Nitride (AlN) ~10¹³ - 10¹⁵ Ideal for heating + electrical applications
Silicon Carbide (SiC) ~10³ - 10⁶ Semiconductor, Limited Insulation
Beryllium oxide (BeO) ~10¹³ - 10¹⁴ High calorific value + good insulation
Boron Nitride (BN) ~10¹² - 10¹⁵ Stable at high temperatures
MGC (machinable glass-ceramics) ~10¹³ - 10¹⁴ Machinable and insulated

*Data is for reference only.

Need help choosing the right ceramic?

Choosing the right ceramic material is critical to ensuring long-term reliability and optimal performance. Whether you need boron nitride, aluminum nitride, or alumina ceramic materials, our materials offer industry-leading performance, durability, and precision.

Our technical team is here to help - contact us today for expert customized advice on your specific needs.

Visualization: volume resistivity comparison

The bar chart below shows the Vickers Young's modulus of a variety of engineering materials - ranging from super-hard ceramics to common industrial plastics, in descending order.

*Data is for reference only.

Applications based on ceramic volume resistivity

    • Application Background:

      Power transmission systems require insulators and switchgear components that can withstand strong electric fields and outdoor environments.

  • Volume resistivity: 10¹⁴ to 10¹⁶Ω-cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • High-voltage ceramic bushings, arc extinguishing nozzles, cable terminations
    • Internal insulation components in GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear)

  • Why Aluminum Oxide:

    • High resistivity ensures electrical insulation

    • Excellent thermal stability to avoid dielectric breakdowns

    • Cost-effective and robust mechanical properties

  • Application Background:

    Power modules and RF electronics require materials that combine insulation with high thermal conductivity.

  • Volume resistivity: ≥10¹⁴Ω-cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Ceramic Substrates for SiC and GaN Power Modules

    • LED Packaging Thermal Substrate

    • Substrates in 5G power amplifiers

  • Why AlN:

    • High resistivity for safe insulation

    • Thermal conductivity up to 170-200 W/m-K

    • Thermal expansion matched to semiconductors

  • Application Background:

    In electric vehicle (EV) systems, structural components must provide insulation and mechanical strength under high voltage.

  • Volume resistivity: 10¹⁴ to 10¹⁶Ω-cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Insulated connectors in battery packs for electric vehicles

    • Ceramic components in IGBT module packages

    • Insulating elements in electric drive systems

  • Why choose silicon nitride:

    • Insulation under high temperature and mechanical stress

    • High thermal shock resistance, suitable for frequent switching cycles

  • Application Background:

    Medical devices such as radiofrequency surgical tools and ablation systems require miniature ceramic components with precise insulation.

  • Volume resistivity: 10⁸ to 10¹¹ Ω-cm (lower, but sufficient in controlled applications)

  • Typical Applications:

    • Insulating tips for electrosurgical instruments

    • Endoscopic catheter ends

  • Why choose zirconium oxide:

    • Combines insulating properties with excellent biocompatibility

    • High precision machining of micro devices

  • Application Background:

    Semiconductor and aerospace systems often require high-precision, low-power insulating structures in vacuum environments.

  • Volume resistivity: ≥10¹³Ω-cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Precision Resistor Mounting Base

    • Insulated structural components in satellite electronics

  • Why MGC:

    • Easy processing without sintering

    • High insulation and low thermal expansion under extreme conditions

  • Application Background:

    High-temperature furnaces and plasma systems rely on BN for insulation under vacuum or inert conditions.

  • Volume resistivity: ≥10¹⁵ Ω-cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Insulating spacer between vacuum electrodes

    • High-frequency plasma source holder

  • Why choose h-BN:

    • Maintains resistivity at high temperatures

    • Easily processed into thin insulating sheets

  • Application Background:

    Military radar, microwave communications and pulsed power modules require materials with both electrical and thermal capabilities.

  • Volume resistivity: ≥10¹⁴Ω-cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Microwave Power Tube Ceramic Housing

    • Thermal insulation in radar systems

  • Why BeO:

    • High resistivity with excellent thermal conductivity (>250 W/m-K)

    • Provides dielectric isolation and heat dissipation

Important ceramic materials

Silicon Nitride Ceramics-Advanced Ceramic Materials-Zihao Ceramics

Silicon Nitride Ceramics

Silicon Carbide Ceramics-Advanced Ceramic Materials-Zihao Ceramics

Silicon Carbide Ceramics

Aluminum oxide ceramics-Advanced ceramic materials-Chihao Ceramics

Aluminum oxide ceramics

Zirconia Ceramics-Advanced Ceramic Materials-Zhihao Ceramics

Zirconia Ceramics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The volume resistivity of alumina and aluminum nitride is typically higher than 10¹⁵ Ω-cm, which is comparable to common polymers such as epoxy resins.

No, SiC is a semiconductor and is not usually suitable as a high resistance insulator.

Ceramics are superior to plastics in terms of thermal stability, mechanical strength and chemical resistance.

ZTA20 Contains zirconium oxide to increase fracture toughness, but has a slightly lower volume resistivity than pure aluminum oxide.