Ceramic Steel ( Zirconia Powder ZrO2 )

Since 1975 considerable research, development and marketing efforts has been expended on this single material “ZIRCONIA” or “CERAMIC STEEL” which offers the traditional ceramic benefits of hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, without the characteristic ceramic property of absolute brittleness.

To use zirconia to its full potential, the properties of the oxide need to be modified extensively by the addition of cubic stabilizing oxides. By this method, the grain size, particle shape, agglomerate size, and specific surface area can be modified within certain degree by controlling the precipitation and calcinations condition. Furthermore, its purity is also easier to be controlled. For the applications of zirconia in the slip casting, tape casting, mold injection and so forth, particle size and specific surface are important characteristics. Well-controlled precipitated zirconia powder can be fairly uniform and fine.

These new high tech ceramic materials, and their fabricating methods have in many way change our lifestyles within the aerospace and motor industries just to name a few, due to their outstanding properties as showed below.

• High strength,

• High fracture toughness

• High hardness

• Wear resistance

• Good frictional behavior

• Non-magnetic

• Electrical insulation

• Low thermal conductivity

• Corrosion resistance in acids and alkalis

• Modulus of elasticity similar to steel

• Coefficient of thermal expansion similar to iron.

The above methods are incorporated to mold injection of the shaft and shaft sleeve, so a strong sleeve bearing is produce. This application has now been introduced into a full range of DC fans that offer greater benefits than the conventional ball bearing and metal sleeve type fans.