Volume Resistivity of Advanced Ceramics

Volume resistivity is a fundamental electrical property that defines how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current. It is particularly critical in applications where electrical insulation, high thermal resistance, and stability in extreme environments are required—areas where advanced ceramics excel.

Ceramic materials like alumina (Al₂O₃), zirconia (ZrO₂), and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) are widely used in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and power systems precisely because of their outstanding insulation properties.

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Hardness of Ceramics: Properties, Comparison & Applications

What Is Volume Resistivity?

Volume resistivity (ρv), measured in ohm-centimeters (Ω·cm), quantifies the electrical resistance of a material across a unit cube. It differs from surface resistivity, which measures resistance along a material’s surface.

The higher the volume resistivity, the better the material functions as an insulator. For ceramics, this property is crucial in preventing electrical leakage, component failure, and signal distortion.

Why Is High Volume Resistivity Important?

  • Prevents electrical leakage in high-voltage components
  • Ensures signal integrity in electronic circuits
  • Enhances safety in aerospace and medical devices
  • Enables thermal isolation in power electronics

Volume Resistivity Data of Key Advanced Ceramics

Ceramic Material Volume Resistivity (Ω·cm) Remarks
Alumina (Al₂O₃) ~10¹⁴ – 10¹⁶ Stable and cost-effective insulator
Zirconia (ZrO₂)  ~10¹⁰ – 10¹² Lower than alumina, high strength
ZTA20 ~10¹¹ – 10¹³ Toughened alumina, good compromise
Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)  ~10¹² – 10¹⁴ Strong mechanical + good insulation
Aluminum Nitride (AlN) ~10¹³ – 10¹⁵ Excellent for heat + electrical use
Silicon Carbide (SiC) ~10³ – 10⁶ Semiconductor, limited insulation
Beryllium Oxide (BeO) ~10¹³ – 10¹⁴ High thermal + good insulation
Boron Nitride (BN) ~10¹² – 10¹⁵ Stable at high temperature
MGC (Machinable Glass Ceramic) ~10¹³ – 10¹⁴ Machinable and insulating

*Data is for reference only.

Need Help Choosing the Right Ceramic?

Selecting the right ceramic material is critical to ensuring long-term reliability and optimal performance. Whether you require boron nitride, aluminum nitride or alumina ceramic materials, our materials offer industry-leading performance, durability and precision.

Our technical team is here to help – contact us today for expert, customized advice based on your specific needs.

Visualization: Volume Resistivity Comparison

*Data is for reference only.

Applications based on ceramic Volume Resistivity

  • Application Background:

    Power transmission systems require insulators and switchgear components that can withstand strong electric fields and outdoor environments.

  • Volume Resistivity: 10¹⁴ to 10¹⁶ Ω·cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • High-voltage ceramic bushings, arc-quenching nozzles, cable terminations
    • Internal insulating components in GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear)

  • Why Alumina:

    • High resistivity ensures electrical insulation

    • Excellent thermal stability to avoid dielectric breakdown

    • Cost-effective with strong mechanical performance

  • Application Background:

    Power modules and RF electronics require materials that combine insulation with high thermal conductivity.

  • Volume Resistivity: ≥10¹⁴ Ω·cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Ceramic substrates for SiC and GaN power modules

    • Heat-dissipating substrates for LED packages

    • Substrates in 5G power amplifiers

  • Why AlN:

    • High resistivity for safe insulation

    • Thermal conductivity up to 170–200 W/m·K

    • Thermal expansion matched with semiconductors

  • Application Background:

    In electric vehicle (EV) systems, structural components must offer both insulation and mechanical strength under high voltage.

  • Volume Resistivity: 10¹⁴ to 10¹⁶ Ω·cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Insulating connectors in EV battery packs

    • Ceramic parts in IGBT module packaging

    • Insulating components in electric drive systems

  • Why Silicon Nitride:

    • Maintains insulation under heat and mechanical stress

    • High resistance to thermal shock, ideal for frequent on-off cycling

  • Application Background:

    Medical devices such as RF surgical tools and ablation systems require miniaturized ceramic parts with precise insulation.

  • Volume Resistivity: 10⁸ to 10¹¹ Ω·cm (lower, but sufficient in controlled applications)

  • Typical Applications:

    • Insulated tips for electrosurgical instruments

    • Terminal ends of endoscopic guides

  • Why Zirconia:

    • Combines insulation with excellent biocompatibility

    • High machining precision for miniaturized devices

  • Application Background:

    Semiconductor and aerospace systems often require high-precision, low-power insulating structures in vacuum environments.

  • Volume Resistivity: ≥10¹³ Ω·cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Mounting bases for precision resistors

    • Insulating structural parts in satellite electronics

  • Why MGC:

    • Easily machinable without sintering

    • Maintains high insulation with low thermal expansion in extreme conditions

  • Application Background:

    High-temperature furnaces and plasma systems rely on BN for insulation under vacuum or inert conditions.

  • Volume Resistivity: ≥10¹⁵ Ω·cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Insulating spacers between vacuum electrodes

    • Supports in high-frequency plasma sources

  • Why h-BN:

    • Retains resistivity at high temperatures

    • Easily machined into thin insulating sheets

  • Application Background:

    Military radar, microwave communication, and pulsed power modules demand materials with dual electrical and thermal functions.

  • Volume Resistivity: ≥10¹⁴ Ω·cm

  • Typical Applications:

    • Ceramic enclosures for microwave power tubes

    • Heat-insulated structures in radar systems

  • Why BeO:

    • High resistivity with exceptional thermal conductivity (>250 W/m·K)

    • Provides both dielectric isolation and thermal dissipation

Related high Volume Resistivity ceramics

Boron nitride ceramics-high temperature resistant ceramics

Boron Nitride Ceramics

Alumina Ceramic - high temperature resistant ceramics

Alumina Ceramic

Aluminum Nitride Ceramics with High Thermal Conductivity

Aluminum Nitride Ceramics

Machinable Glass Ceramic-thermal insulation ceramics

Machinable Glass Ceramic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Alumina and Aluminum Nitride typically show volume resistivities above 10¹⁵ Ω·cm, comparable to common polymers like epoxy.

No, SiC is a semiconductor and generally unsuitable as a high-resistance insulator.

Ceramics outperform plastics in thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.

ZTA20 includes zirconia for added fracture toughness but has slightly lower volume resistivity than pure alumina.

Thermal conductivity of silicon carbide ceramics

Flexural strength