Advanced Ceramic Material Properties

Advanced ceramics, also known as technical ceramics, are high-performance inorganic non-metallic materials engineered for extreme mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical conditions. Compared to conventional ceramics, advanced ceramics offer superior material properties such as high hardness, thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability.

These characteristics make technical ceramics indispensable in demanding industries including aerospace, electronics, semiconductor, medical devices, automotive, and energy. On this page, we provide a comprehensive overview of the essential physical properties of commonly used ceramic materials:

  • Mechanical Properties (e.g., flexural strength, Young’s modulus, hardness, fracture toughness)
  • Thermal Properties (e.g., thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, maximum operating temperature)
  • Electrical Properties (e.g., dielectric strength, resistivity, permittivity)
  • Chemical Properties (e.g., acid resistance, oxidation resistance, alkali resistance)

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Mechanical | Thermal | Electrical | Chemical | Applications | FAQs

Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties define a ceramic’s performance under mechanical loads such as compression, tension, and bending. These include ceramic hardness, flexural strength, compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and fracture toughness. These are vital for wear-resistant ceramics, ceramic bearings, seals, and high-load structural applications.

Relevant Keywords Explained:

  • Ceramic hardness: Refers to resistance to surface indentation or scratching.
  • Flexural strength of ceramics: Ability to resist bending forces without fracturing.
  • Young’s modulus of ceramics: A measure of stiffness under elastic deformation.
  • Ceramic wear resistance: Resistance to abrasion or material loss under friction.
  • Ceramic compressive strength: Maximum compressive load a ceramic can sustain.

Mechanical performance parameter table

Material Hardness (Hv) Flexural Strength (MPa) Elastic Modulus (GPa) Fracture Toughness (MPa·m^1/2)
Alumina (99.7%) ~1800 300–400 370 3.5–4.5
Zirconia (Y-TZP) ~1200 900–1200 210 8–10
ZTA20 ~1500 500–700 300 6–7
Silicon Nitride ~1550 800–1000 320 6–8
Silicon Carbide ~2500 400–550 410 3.0–4.0
Aluminum Nitride ~1200 300–400 320 2.5–3.5
Machinable Ceramic ~500 150–200 65 1.5–2.0
Boron Nitride (h-BN) ~100 <100 30 N/A
Beryllium Oxide ~1200 250–300 300 2.5–3.0

Thermal Properties

Thermal characteristics are essential in applications involving high temperatures or rapid thermal cycling. Properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, and maximum service temperature are critical for heat sinks, high-temperature insulators, and engine components.

Relevant Keywords Explained:

  • Thermal conductivity of ceramics: Ability to transfer heat efficiently.
  • Thermal expansion coefficient: Degree to which a material expands with temperature.
  • Ceramic thermal shock resistance: Resistance to cracking under rapid temperature changes.
  • High temperature ceramics: Ceramics that retain strength and stability at >1000°C.

Thermal performance parameter table

Material Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁶/K) Max Operating Temp (°C)
Alumina 25–35 7.5 1500
Zirconia 2–3 10–11 1000
ZTA 12–15 8–9 1450
Silicon Nitride 25–30 3.2 1300
Silicon Carbide 120–150 4.0 1600
Aluminum Nitride 170–200 4.5 1000
Machinable Ceramic 1.5 9.0 800
Boron Nitride 30–50 1.0 900
Beryllium Oxide 250 8.0 1200

Electrical Properties

Electrical properties determine a material’s ability to insulate or conduct electricity. Advanced ceramics such as electrical insulating ceramics or dielectric ceramics are widely used in capacitors, insulators, circuit boards, and microwave devices.

Relevant Keywords Explained:

  • Dielectric strength of ceramics: Maximum voltage a material can withstand without electrical breakdown.
  • Ceramic insulators: Materials that resist electrical current flow.
  • Ceramic dielectric constant: Permittivity of the ceramic under an electric field.
  • High voltage ceramic materials: Ceramics used in capacitors, spark plugs, insulators.

Electrical performance parameter table

Material Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) Dielectric Constant (1MHz) Volume Resistivity (Ω·cm)
Alumina 10–15 9–10 >10¹⁴
Zirconia 7–9 22–30 >10¹⁰
ZTA 9–11 15–20 >10¹²
Silicon Nitride 12 8–9 >10¹⁴
Silicon Carbide ~5 9–10 ~10⁵–10⁶ (semi-conductive)
Aluminum Nitride 12–15 8.5 >10¹³
Machinable Ceramic 6–8 6 >10¹²
Boron Nitride 4–5 4 >10¹⁵
Beryllium Oxide 9–10 6.5–7 >10¹⁴

Chemical Resistance

Chemical stability defines how well a material withstands harsh chemical environments. Corrosion-resistant ceramics are ideal for chemical reactors, semiconductor equipment, and medical sterilization systems.

Relevant Keywords Explained:

  • Corrosion resistance of ceramics: Ability to remain chemically inert when exposed to aggressive chemicals.
  • Ceramic chemical stability: Long-term resistance to degradation in harsh environments.
  • Ceramics in acid and alkali environments: Performance of ceramics when in contact with acids, bases, and solvents.

Chemical resistance comparison table

Material Acid Resistance Alkali Resistance Oxidation Resistance
Alumina Excellent Good Excellent
Zirconia Good Moderate Good
ZTA Excellent Good Excellent
Silicon Nitride Excellent Good Excellent
Silicon Carbide Excellent Excellent Excellent
Aluminum Nitride Moderate Poor Moderate
Machinable Ceramic Moderate Poor Moderate
Boron Nitride Good Poor Good (inert to HF)
Beryllium Oxide Good Moderate Good

Applications Based on Property Requirements

Advanced ceramics are widely used across various industries due to their exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance. This section presents application cases based on different property requirements, helping engineers and product developers select the most suitable ceramic material.

Ceramics such as Zirconia, Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA), and Silicon Nitride offer high flexural strength and excellent fracture toughness, making them ideal for mechanically demanding environments.

Typical applications include:

  • Valve seats and check valves
  • Ball and roller bearings
  • Cutting tools and blades
  • Pump plungers and shafts
  • Structural supports in high-load environments

Key characteristics:

  • Excellent resistance to mechanical stress and fatigue
  • Long-term dimensional stability
  • High impact and crack resistance

Materials like Alumina, ZTA, and Silicon Carbide are used in high-friction or abrasive environments due to their exceptional hardness and wear resistance.

Typical applications include:

  • Mechanical seals and sliding bearings
  • Pump linings and plungers
  • Spray nozzles and guide tubes
  • Textile and wire drawing tools

Key characteristics:

  • High surface hardness
  • Excellent abrasion and erosion resistance
  • Reliable performance under dry or lubricated conditions

Aluminum Nitride, Silicon Carbide, and Beryllium Oxide have high thermal conductivity and are commonly used in electronic and optoelectronic systems to ensure effective heat dissipation.

Typical applications include:

  • Heat sinks and spreaders
  • LED and laser diode mounts
  • Power electronics substrates
  • Thermal isolators for vacuum systems

Key characteristics:

  • High thermal conductivity with electrical insulation
  • Good thermal shock resistance
  • Compatibility with soldering and metallization

Alumina, Hexagonal Boron Nitride, and Machinable Glass Ceramics provide high dielectric strength and resistivity, making them suitable for high-voltage, RF, and precision electronic components.

Typical applications include:

  • High-voltage insulators and bushings
  • RF/microwave substrates
  • Vacuum feedthroughs
  • Electrostatic chucks and isolation components

Key characteristics:

  • Excellent dielectric properties
  • Low dielectric loss and stable permittivity
  • Reliable performance in high-frequency environments

For exposure to acids, alkalis, and corrosive gases, materials such as Silicon Carbide, Alumina, and Silicon Nitride are ideal due to their chemical inertness and oxidation resistance.

Typical applications include:

  • Chemical reactor linings
  • Semiconductor etching components
  • Fluid-handling systems
  • Exhaust and combustion parts

Key characteristics:

  • Resistance to acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents
  • Low contamination and high purity
  • Stable under high temperature and chemical exposure

Machinable Glass Ceramics (MGC) are designed to be easily shaped using conventional tools, making them ideal for low-volume production, complex geometries, and rapid prototyping.

Typical applications include:

  • Custom test fixtures and spacers
  • Laser and optics mounts
  • Vacuum-compatible parts
  • R&D components and quick-turn prototypes

Key characteristics:

  • Easily machinable without sintering
  • Good electrical insulation
  • Stable in vacuum and high temperatures

In fields such as semiconductor processing and analytical instrumentation, high-purity ceramics like Alumina (99.7%), Aluminum Nitride, and Boron Nitride are preferred for their ultra-low contamination and chemical stability.

Typical applications include:

  • Wafer handling and support components
  • Plasma-resistant chamber parts
  • Precision optical mounts
  • Medical-grade and sterile environments

Key characteristics:

  • Low outgassing and minimal contamination
  • High dielectric and thermal performance
  • Compatible with cleanroom and UHV conditions

FAQs about Ceramic Material Properties

Advanced ceramics are selected based on performance requirements in specific applications. Below are examples based on the properties explored above:

Beryllium Oxide (BeO) has the highest thermal conductivity (>230 W/m·K), followed by Aluminum Nitride (AlN). These ceramics are used in high-power electronic applications where heat dissipation is critical.

Yttria-stabilized Zirconia (Y-TZP) and ZTA are known for their high fracture toughness and compressive strength. They are commonly used in mechanical systems that require impact resistance and fatigue durability.

Most advanced ceramics are excellent insulators, such as Alumina and Boron Nitride. However, some ceramics like Silicon Carbide are semiconductive and used in electronic devices for their specific electrical behavior.

Silicon Carbide and Alumina are extremely resistant to acids, alkalis, and oxidizing environments. They are often used in chemical plants, exhaust systems, and semiconductor processing chambers.

While most technical ceramics are hard and brittle, materials like Machinable Glass Ceramic (e.g., MGC) are designed for easy machining using conventional tools. These are ideal for prototypes and complex shapes.

Engineering Ceramic Materials Performance Comparison Table

Not sure which ceramic material is right for your application? Use our interactive form to make your selection.

Let Us Help You Choose the Right Material

At Great Ceramic, we specialize in supplying and machining advanced technical ceramics tailored to your design and performance requirements. Whether you’re developing a new product or improving an existing component, our material engineers will help you select the optimal ceramic for your industry.

  • Material selection guidance
  • Custom machining & prototyping
  • High-performance ceramic supply