The main sources of zirconium oxide are minerals such as Zircon (Zirconium Silicate) and Baddeleyite (mineralogical Zirconium Oxide, Hydrated Zirconium Oxide and Zirconium silicate). Important and diversified properties, in relation to the type of chemical composition and crystal structure, are shown below: - High fracture toughness - Low thermal conductivity - Good chemical resistance - High mechanical resistance The Zircox family consists of two compositions PSZ (partially stabilized Zirconia) and a toughened ZTA composite. Zircalox. It is the Zirconium Oxide toughened with Al2O3; ZTA composite. It has a high degree of hardness, great mechanical strength and excellent wear resistance when compared with conventional aluminium oxide. Application examples are: particularly used where very tenacious insulation is required, shafts for pumps and conveyors, etc.
