Physical - chemical - mechanical - ceramics properties

Our materials : Physical Properties

Assessment of chemical and physical properties of ceramics constitutes an essential step in their manufacture since they will decisively influence their final performances.

Solcera has a wide range of characterization techniques, from molecular to macroscopic scales

Spectrometry
Diffractometry
Microscopy
Laser diffraction analysis etc.

		Alumina				Zirconia		Nitrides	Boron carbide	Transparent materials
Properties	Units	AF950	TS150	AF980	AF997	ZFME	ZFYT	Kersit	HP B₄C	MgF2	Spinel	ZnS
Composition (mass %)		95% Al₂0₃	97,6% Al₂0₃	98% Al₂0₃	99,7 % Al₂0₃	97% Zr0₂	95% Zr0₂	91% Si₃N₄	95% B₄C	100% MgF₂	100% MgAI₂0₄	100% ZnS
Density	g/cm³	3,60	3,75	3,89	3,89	5,70	6,00	3,20	2,50	3,18	3,58	4,09
Hardness - Vickers	GPa	15	15	15	18	11	13	16	28	6	13	2,9
3-point bending strength / biaxial (b)	MPa	250	280	280	310	600	900	900	425 (4pts)	130	390	95 (b)
Elastic modulus	GPa	250	330	330	310	210	220	315	440	140	270	90
Fracture toughness	MPa (m)¹/²	3,8	3,8	4	4,8	8,5	10	7,5	3-4		2,2	0,6
Coefficient of thermal expansion	x10⁶	8,5	8,5	8	8,5	9,5	10	3,1	5	10	7,8	7,3
Thermal conductivity (20° to 100°C)	W/mK	22	30		29	1,9	3	19	-		15,3	12
Thermal shock resistance		++	++	+	+	+++	++	+++	+	++	+	+
Maximum use temperature	°C	1500	1700	1500	1700	2000	1000	1400	-	600	1500	200
Electrical resistivity	Ohm.cm	> 10¹²	> 10¹⁴	> 10¹⁴	> 10¹²	> 10¹²	> 10⁷	> 10¹⁰	> 10⁷	> 10⁷

This Chart is intended to illustrate typical properties of a selection of Solcera.
Property values may vary with method of manufacture, size and shape of part and may not be used as absolute values.

Typical properties of Solcera ceramics

Mechanical properties

High mechanical strength, low density, extreme hardness, toughness and great wear resistance.
Example :
Our boron carbide provides maximum ballistic protection efficiency with significant weight savings in military armor equipment.

Thermal properties

Our advanced ceramics remain stable even at very high temperatures, resist thermal shock and ageing and guarantee high resistance to climatic or chemical attack.
They show a low to moderate thermal conductivity and transparent / opaque properties other than for visible light.
Example :
Ceramic components for aircraft engines and propulsion systems for satellites. Magnesium fluoride infrared guidance windows for IR Seekers.

Electrical properties

Our ceramic components and hermetic ceramic-to-metal assemblies based on alumina guarantee optimal electrical insulation.
They are frequently used in high voltage applications with good dielectric strength, also called resistance to electrical breakdown.
Example :
Brazed high voltage electrical feedthroughs for medical imaging. Cathode and anode insulators for X-ray tubes.

Environmental characteristics

Ceramics are harmless to humans and eco-friendly due to their neutral and amorphous nature.
Example :
Hypoallergenic components based on zirconia for ceramic watches.