Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) is an important inorganic non-metallic material. Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, it has shown significant advantages in many fields. The following is a detailed analysis of its advantages from different dimensions:
1. Excellent high temperature resistance
High melting point and thermal stability: The melting point of zirconium silicate is as high as 2550℃. It can still maintain structural stability in high temperature environments and is not easy to melt or decompose. This feature makes it a key raw material for refractory materials, ceramic glazes and high-temperature industrial components.
Application case: In ceramic production, zirconium silicate can be used as a high-temperature stabilizer for the preparation of refractory sintered ceramics, kiln lining materials, etc., to ensure that the product does not deform or damage during high-temperature firing.
2. Outstanding chemical stability
Strong resistance to acid and alkali corrosion: Zirconium silicate hardly reacts with acid, alkali, and salt solutions at room temperature, and only slowly decomposes under hydrofluoric acid or high-temperature strong alkali conditions.
Application scenarios: Commonly used in chemical equipment linings, corrosion-resistant coatings, acid-resistant ceramic products (such as laboratory utensils, chemical pipelines), as well as marine engineering, sewage treatment and other corrosive environments.
Solvent and weather resistance: It has good tolerance to organic solvents, water and atmospheric environment, and is not easy to age or deteriorate after long-term use.
3. Unique optical and electrical properties
High refractive index and whitening effect: The refractive index of zirconium silicate is as high as 1.93~2.01 (higher than most inorganic materials), with excellent hiding power and opacity, which can make the product appear white and shiny.
Typical applications: Adding zirconium silicate to ceramic glaze can significantly improve the whiteness and glossiness of tiles and sanitary ware; as a filler in coatings and plastics, it can enhance the hiding power and aesthetics of the product.
Insulation and dielectric properties: Zirconium silicate is a good electrical insulator with a low dielectric constant, suitable for electronic ceramics, insulating materials and other fields.
4. Good mechanical properties
High hardness and wear resistance: The Mohs hardness reaches 7~8, second only to superhard materials such as diamond and corundum, and has outstanding wear resistance.
Application direction: used to prepare wear-resistant ceramic parts (such as grinding balls, grinding tools), refractory and wear-resistant coatings, or as an additive for grinding media to extend the service life of equipment.
Thermal shock resistance: Although the thermal conductivity is low, it is not easy to crack when the temperature changes sharply, and can withstand certain thermal shock shocks (such as temperature fluctuations during the start-up and shutdown of the kiln).
V. Environmental protection and safety
Non-toxic and harmless: Zirconium silicate itself is an inert substance and does not release harmful substances. It meets the safety standards of food contact materials, medical equipment and other fields.
Recyclable and sustainable: As a mineral raw material, zirconium silicate can be obtained through ore processing, and it is not easy to cause pollution during use, which is in line with the concept of green production.
VI. Strong processing adaptability
Easy to disperse and good compatibility: Zirconium silicate powder has uniform particle size and can be evenly mixed with a variety of materials such as ceramic blanks, coating base materials, plastic resins, etc. It is not easy to agglomerate during processing, which is convenient for industrial production.
Excellent molding performance: It can be molded through various processes such as pressing, sintering, and melting to meet the preparation needs of different products (such as ceramic glazes, refractory bricks, functional ceramic components, etc.). VII. Resource distribution and cost advantages
Rich reserves: Zircon sand (the main mineral source of zirconium silicate) is widely distributed around the world, with sufficient reserves in Australia, South Africa, India and other countries, and a stable supply of raw materials.
High cost performance: Compared with rare earth and precious metal functional materials, zirconium silicate has a lower cost and significant performance advantages, and has a higher cost performance in industrial applications.