In the field of modern industrial materials, zirconia ceramics and silicon carbide ceramics are both high-performance materials that have attracted much attention. However, there are significant differences in their characteristics, especially in extreme environments such as high temperature, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Silicon carbide ceramics exhibit more outstanding comprehensive advantages. This article will analyze the irreplaceability of silicon carbide ceramics from a practical application perspective.
1、 The ‘capable warrior’ on the hot battlefield
The stability requirements for materials under high temperature conditions are extremely demanding. When zirconia ceramics are above 1200 ℃, their internal crystal structure is prone to transformation, leading to volume changes and even cracking, which limits their application in long-term high-temperature environments. Silicon carbide ceramics can maintain structural stability in inert atmospheres above 1350 ℃, making them an ideal choice for high-temperature furnaces, spacecraft thermal protection, and other fields.
2、 Hard core wear-resistant, longer lifespan
Zirconia ceramics are known for their toughness and are suitable for applications that require impact resistance, such as ceramic cutting tools or artificial joints. But in industrial scenarios that are subject to long-term friction and particle erosion, the “superhard” characteristics of silicon carbide (Mohs hardness 9.5, second only to diamond) are more critical.
For example, in wear-resistant lining plates of mining machinery and sealing components of chemical pumps, the service life of silicon carbide can reach several times that of zirconia, significantly reducing equipment maintenance costs.
3、 Corrosion resistance: challenging extreme environments
Zirconia ceramics may be corroded in strong acids or high-temperature steam, while silicon carbide has extremely strong resistance to most corrosive solutions. It is worth mentioning that in a high-temperature oxidizing atmosphere, a dense silicon dioxide protective layer will form on the surface of silicon carbide, further delaying the oxidation process of the material. This “self-protection” mechanism enables it to perform excellently in corrosive environments such as flue gas desulfurization systems and exhaust gas treatment equipment.
conclusion
Zirconia ceramics occupy a place in the medical and consumer fields due to their excellent toughness, while silicon carbide ceramics have become the “material ace” of high-end industries such as energy, chemical, and semiconductor due to their high temperature stability, super wear resistance, and chemical inertness. With the development of technology, the innovative application of silicon carbide is constantly expanding its boundaries, providing more reliable solutions for industrial upgrading.
SHANDONG ZHONGPENG SEPCIAL CERAMICS CO., LTD has been deeply engaged in the field of high-performance ceramics for more than 10 years, focusing on the research and customized production of silicon carbide ceramics, helping customers overcome extreme working conditions and challenges. For more material selection suggestions, please feel free to contact us at (+86) 15254687377!
Post time: Apr-14-2025