Ceramic Powders for Advanced Industrial Applications

Ceramic powders are finely ground particles derived from various ceramic materials such as alumina, chromia, gadolinium, lanthanum, titania, and zirconia. These powders serve as the fundamental building blocks in the production of advanced ceramic products. Through precise manipulation of composition, particle size, and processing techniques, ceramic powders can be tailored to exhibit a wide range of properties through thermal spraying processes.

In thermal spraying, ceramic powders are heated to a molten or semi-molten state and then propelled onto a substrate surface using a high-velocity gas stream. The ceramic particles rapidly solidify upon impact, forming a coating that provides enhanced properties such as wear resistance, corrosion protection, thermal insulation, and electrical insulation. Different thermal spraying techniques, such as flame spraying, plasma spraying, and high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying, utilize ceramic powders in unique ways. For example, in plasma spraying, ceramic powders are injected into a high-temperature plasma jet, where they melt and adhere to the substrate surface. This process is particularly effective for applying thick and dense ceramic coatings with excellent bond strength.

Oerlikon Metco is a distinguished manufacturer known for its superior ceramic powders tailored for various applications. We feature an extensive array of oxide ceramic powders while using a variety of thermal spraying processes. Our premium-grade products find applications in thermal management, automotive pyrotechnics, technical ceramics, solar technology, and electronics. By selecting the appropriate ceramic powder composition and optimizing the spraying parameters, manufacturers can achieve coatings with tailored properties to meet the requirements of various industrial applications. Here is a breakdown of our ceramic powder products:

Ceramic powders can be created from a variety of ceramic materials, each offering unique properties and advantages. Here's an explanation on the bases for ceramic powders:

1. Alumina (Aluminum Oxide):
   1. Composition: Alumina is composed of aluminum and oxygen (Al2O3).
   2. Properties: It is known for its high hardness, excellent thermal conductivity, and chemical resistance. It is often used in applications requiring wear resistance, thermal insulation, and electrical insulation.
2. Chromia (Chromium Oxide):
   1. Composition: Chromia consists of chromium and oxygen (Cr2O3).
   2. Properties: Chromia is valued for its refractory properties, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant chemical or physical changes. It is often used in the production of refractory bricks, ceramics, and thermal coatings.
3. Gadolinium:
   1. Composition: Gadolinium is a rare-earth metal element with the atomic number 64 (Gd).
   2. Properties: Gadolinium is known for its unique magnetic properties, making it useful in applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, magnetic refrigeration, and magnetic sensors.
4. Lanthanum:
   1. Composition: Lanthanum is also a rare-earth metal element with the atomic number 57 (La).
   2. Properties: Lanthanum is used in various applications including optics (lenses, camera lenses), catalysts (petroleum refining), and in the production of hybrid car batteries.
5. Titania (Titanium Dioxide):
   1. Composition: Titania consists of titanium and oxygen (TiO2).
   2. Properties: Titania is known for its high refractive index, excellent UV resistance, and photocatalytic properties. It is widely used in pigments (white pigment in paints), sunscreen, ceramics, and as a photocatalyst in environmental applications.
6. Zirconia (Zirconium Dioxide):
   1. Composition: Zirconia is composed of zirconium and oxygen (ZrO2).
   2. Properties: Zirconia exhibits high strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and corrosion. It finds applications in various industries including aerospace (used in turbine blades), biomedical (dental implants), and as a ceramic material for thermal barrier coatings.

Ceramic powders are versatile materials crucial for various industries, offering high-performance solutions in thermal management, automotive, electronics, and more. Oerlikon Metco stands out as a leading provider of these powders, offering a diverse range including boron, boride, carbide, and nitride variants. For those seeking further information or assistance on utilizing ceramic powders in their applications, Oerlikon Metco welcomes inquiries and our dedicated experts will be available to provide tailored solutions and guidance to meet specific needs.