Zirconia ceramic is a material in the group of mixed ceramics and is produced by binding different oxides: aluminium, zirconium, and silicon oxide are molten in an electric arc furnace at approx. 2.000°C. Mixed crystals form, which provide this material with its distinct characteristics:
– High strength and hardness
– Extremely high wear resistance
– 50% Al2O3 content (Al2O3 group of materials)
Due to its mineralogical composition – approx. 50% corundum, 32% zircon, and a glass phase content of approx. 18% – and its method of production, zirconia ceramic is frequently referred to as fused corundum, sometimes also as “zirconia-reinforced alumina ceramic”.