ZrO2-5Y Zirconia-Yttria Nanopowder (ZrO2-3Y, 99.9%, 30 nm)

ZrO2-5Y, also known as 5 mol% Yttria-stabilized Zirconia (5Y-ZrO2), is a specialized ceramic nanopowder made by doping zirconium oxide (ZrO2) with 5% yttrium oxide (Y2O3) by weight. This formulation provides improved material properties, particularly in terms of stability and mechanical performance. With a particle size of 30 nanometers and a purity of 99.9%, ZrO2-5Y nanopowder finds applications in a range of advanced technological fields.

Composition and Structure

ZrO2 (Zirconium Oxide):
Zirconium oxide is a ceramic material known for its high melting point, durability, and thermal stability. When combined with yttria, zirconia’s structural properties are significantly enhanced, especially its phase stability at room temperature. The zirconia itself is primarily used in high-performance applications such as cutting tools, prosthetics, and thermal barrier coatings.
Y2O3 (Yttrium Oxide):
Yttria is added to zirconia to stabilize the tetragonal or cubic phases, preventing the phase transformation that can occur in pure zirconia. In 5Y-ZrO2, the higher yttria content (5 mol%) provides even greater stabilization of the material, resulting in improved mechanical properties, including enhanced toughness and resistance to fracture. The 5% yttria also improves the material’s performance under high-temperature conditions.
Purity (99.9%):
This nanopowder boasts a high purity level of 99.9%, ensuring minimal contamination, which is critical for high-performance applications. High purity enhances its reliability and durability in demanding environments.
Particle Size (30 nm):
The 30 nm particle size offers a large surface area, which not only enhances the material’s properties but also allows for better dispersion in composite materials and coatings. At the nanoscale, the powder exhibits unique properties such as increased reactivity and improved sintering behavior, which are valuable in various applications.

Properties

1. Phase Stability:
   The addition of yttria in a 5 mol% concentration stabilizes the tetragonal or cubic phase of zirconia, which significantly reduces the risk of the material transforming into the monoclinic phase. This stabilization improves both the toughness and the resistance of the material to thermal shock. The higher yttria content offers improved phase stability, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.
2. Mechanical Strength and Toughness:
   ZrO2-5Y nanopowder is known for its excellent mechanical properties, including high hardness, strength, and fracture toughness. The yttria doping improves the material’s resistance to crack propagation, making it ideal for applications requiring superior durability under stress.
3. Thermal Stability and Conductivity:
   The material exhibits excellent thermal stability and can withstand high temperatures without degradation. This makes ZrO2-5Y an excellent choice for applications in thermal barrier coatings, which require materials that can endure extreme temperature changes. Additionally, it has relatively low thermal conductivity, making it an effective thermal insulator.
4. Ionic Conductivity:
   Similar to other yttria-stabilized zirconias, ZrO2-5Y nanopowder has good ionic conductivity at elevated temperatures. This property is particularly useful in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and oxygen sensors, where the material needs to transport oxygen ions efficiently at high temperatures.

Applications

1. Advanced Ceramics and Structural Components:
Cutting Tools and Wear-Resistant Materials:
Due to its exceptional mechanical properties, ZrO2-5Y nanopowder is used to manufacture high-performance ceramics for cutting tools, abrasives, and other industrial components that require wear resistance and high strength.
Biomedical Implants:
Zirconia-based materials are widely used in biomedical implants, such as dental implants and joint replacements, due to their biocompatibility, durability, and strength. The nanopowder form enhances the material’s surface characteristics, which improves integration with bone tissue and extends the lifespan of implants.
Prosthetics and Structural Ceramics:
ZrO2-5Y nanopowder is also used in the production of prosthetics and structural ceramics for aerospace, automotive, and defense applications. Its combination of strength, toughness, and thermal stability makes it a key material for demanding applications.

2. Energy Applications:
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs):
5Y-ZrO2 is widely used as an electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) because of its excellent ionic conductivity at high temperatures. The nanopowder form increases the surface area and improves the ionic conductivity, resulting in more efficient fuel cell operation.
Oxygen Sensors:
ZrO2-5Y nanopowder is used in oxygen sensors for automotive and industrial applications. Its high ionic conductivity makes it ideal for detecting and measuring oxygen levels in exhaust gases and other environments where oxygen concentration is critical.

3. Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs):
ZrO2-5Y is commonly used in thermal barrier coatings, especially in applications that involve extreme temperature environments. The material’s high thermal stability and low thermal conductivity help protect turbine blades, engine components, and other high-temperature parts from heat damage, improving their longevity and performance.

4. Catalysis and Chemical Processing:
Due to its high surface area and stability, ZrO2-5Y nanopowder is used as a catalyst or catalyst support in various chemical processes, including those in the petroleum and petrochemical industries. Its ability to perform well at high temperatures makes it an excellent choice for catalytic reactions in demanding conditions.
Pollutant Degradation:
ZrO2-5Y nanopowder is also utilized in environmental applications, such as pollutant degradation and waste treatment, where its chemical stability and high reactivity can break down harmful substances in air or water.

5. Electronics and Optoelectronics:
Dielectric Materials:
ZrO2-5Y is used in electronic devices as a dielectric material due to its high dielectric constant and stability under electric fields. This makes it suitable for applications in capacitors, insulators, and other electronic components.
Optical Coatings:
The material’s high refractive index and resistance to UV and infrared light make it valuable in optical coatings, lenses, and other optical components that require durability and clarity.

Safety and Handling

Health Considerations:
As with other fine powders, appropriate care should be taken when handling ZrO2-5Y nanopowder to avoid inhalation or skin contact, as nanopowders can pose respiratory hazards. It is recommended to use protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and ventilation systems, when working with the material.
Environmental Impact:
ZrO2-5Y is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, as with any nanopowder, it is important to assess the potential environmental impacts through proper disposal and handling protocols to prevent contamination.

Summary

ZrO2-5Y Zirconia-Yttria nanopowder (99.9%, 30 nm) is a high-performance ceramic material that combines the exceptional properties of zirconium oxide with yttria stabilization. The 5 mol% yttria content enhances phase stability, mechanical strength, and toughness, making it suitable for demanding applications in advanced ceramics, energy production, thermal barrier coatings, catalysis, and electronics. Its nanopowder form, with its increased surface area, enhances reactivity and sintering efficiency, offering improved performance across a wide range of industries.