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Among the sintered technical ceramics, silicon carbide (SiC) has the best wear resistance, with a hardness of 25 GPa, a density of 3.1 g/cm³ and a thermal conductivity of 125 W/(m·K). 99.7% alumina (hardness of 17 GPa, density of 3.9 g/cm³) is also very effective, but slightly inferior to SiC in terms of resistance to extreme abrasion. Silicon nitride and zirconia both provide a good performance in terms of resistance but are less suitable in terms of wear. Final Advanced Materials recommends SiC for very abrasive environments requiring hardness and chemical stability on the long term.
96% sintered alumina's density is 3.7 g/cm³, its hardness 14 GPa and its flexural strength 200 MPa, with a thermal working limit of approximately 1,500°C. 99.7% alumina is purer, its density reaches 3.9 g/cm³, its hardness 17 GPa and its flexural strength over 370 MPa. The presence of pores and impurities in 96% alumina reduces its wear resistance and corrosion resistance. In the case of challenging applications, 99.7% alumina provides greater performance, better chemical resistance and a longer lifetime. Final Advanced Materials recommends 99.7% alumina for essential parts and 96% alumina for less severe applications.
Sintered alumina (Al₂O₃, density of 3.9 g/cm³, hardness of 17 GPa) is extremely resistant to wear but sensitive to mechanical impacts, with a fracture toughness of approximately 4 MPa·m1/2. Yttria-stabilised zirconia (ZrO₂-Y2O3, density of 6 g/cm³, hardness of 12 GPa) has a higher fracture toughness, of approximately 7 MPa·m1/2, making it ideal for parts which are subject to impacts. Alumina is preferred for its chemical resistance and its abrasion resistance, while zirconia will be more suited to applications requiring very high impact resistance and high durability, such as implants or cutting tools. Final Advanced Materials recommends taking into consideration requirements of hardness and resistance to mechanical stresses to achieve an effective balance and choose the most suited material.
Sintered silicon nitride (Si3N4) combines a density of 3.2 g/cm³, a hardness of 15 GPa and a fracture toughness of 7.5 MPa·m1/2. It resists temperatures up to 1,400°C in continuous service, and its thermal conductivity varies between 20 and 30 W/(m·K). This material withstands thermal shocks, and resists oxidisation and mechanical wear. It is used in high-speed bearings, turbines, motor-vehicle parts such as turbocompressors and ignition plugs, and for tools which are subject to high abrasion. Final Advanced Materials recommends Si3N4 for environments which combine both mechanical stresses and high temperatures.
The density of sintered silicon carbide (Si3N4) is 3.1 g/cm³, and it has an exceptional hardness of 25 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 125 W/(m·K). It resists up to 1,600°C in air, withstands abrasion and chemical attacks by acids and bases. These properties make it a preferred material for pumps, nozzles and industrial equipment in contact with corrosive and abrasive fluids. Its rigidity and dimensional stability provide a sustainable performance even under extreme conditions. Final Advanced Materials recommends sintered SiC for all applications exposed to corrosion and to severe wear.