What is zirconia granulation powder? Where is it used?

Zirconia granulated powder is a functional material produced by spray granulation, agglomerating nano-scale zirconia powder into micron-scale particles (typically 50–100 μm). Its core function is to address the poor flowability and uneven filling of nano-powders while retaining the high strength, high-temperature resistance, and biocompatibility of zirconia. Below are its key functions and application areas:

🦷 I. Dental Restoration: Core material for all-ceramic restorations ​

​ High-strength crowns and bridges ​

• Through the stress-induced phase transformation toughening mechanism of yttria-stabilized zirconia granulated powder (such as 3Y-TZP), the flexural strength can reach 1000 MPa ​，断裂韧性达​ 7 MPa·m¹/² , 2–3 times that of alumina ceramics. It can support 5-unit bridges (approximately 30 mm span) and withstand a 2000N bite force without fracturing.
• After CAD/CAM milling of the pre-sintered ceramic block, the density reaches 6.08 g/cm³ , with a surface finish of Ra < 0.2 μm, reducing the need for later polishing processes.

​ Aesthetics and Biocompatibility ​

• ​ Optimized Translucency : The translucency of 3Y-TZP granulated powder reaches 3.2 × 10³ lux , and when combined with an adhesive (such as CY-R200KRB), the pressed material exhibits strong jade-like texture, simulating the luster of natural tooth enamel and avoiding gingival staining caused by metal abutments.
• ​ Bioinertness : It does not degrade in the oral environment and does not release ions (Na₂O < 0.005%). The cell adhesion rate is 15% higher than that of pure HA material, with increased alkaline phosphatase activity, promoting bone integration.

​ Implants and Abutments ​

• The bacterial colonization rate of zirconia abutments is 30% lower than that of titanium abutments (especially significantly inhibiting Porphyromonas gingivalis), reducing the risk of peri-implantitis; the fracture strength is twice that of alumina abutments, with a lifespan exceeding 15 years.

🏭 II. Industrial Ceramics: Manufacturing of high-performance structural components ​

​ High-temperature and wear-resistant components ​

• Zirconia melting point 2715°C , with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (10 × 10⁻⁶/K). When used in rocket nozzles and engine blades, the thermal shock resistance is improved by 40% at 1500°C, and the lifespan is extended by 3 times.
• Mohs hardness 8.5 (second only to diamond), making ceramic cutting tools have a cutting life 5 times higher than that of cemented carbide, and the wear rate is reduced by 60%.

​ Functional ceramics and electronic devices ​

• ​ Oxygen sensors and fuel cells : 8Y cubic zirconia granulated powder (such as VK-R30Y8R) has an ionic conductivity > 0.1 S/cm (800°C). As a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolyte, the conversion efficiency reaches 70%.
• ​ Electronic packaging : Dielectric constant 29–32 (1 MHz), used in 5G base station filters, with dielectric loss < 0.001, and electromagnetic interference resistance improved by 25%.

🔋 III. Energy conservation, environmental protection, and emerging fields ​

​ Catalysts and environmental materials ​

• The specific surface area of porous zirconia support is > 100 m²/g , and after loading precious metals, the NOx conversion rate exceeds 90%; in wastewater treatment, the adsorption capacity of heavy metal ions (such as Pb²⁺) reaches 120 mg/g.

​ Composite materials and cutting-edge applications ​

• ​ Nanocomposite enhancement : When compounded with graphene (adding 5 wt%), the thermal conductivity is increased to 65 W/(m·K) , used in chip heat sinks, with a temperature drop efficiency increased by 30%.
• ​ Thermal barrier coating : Plasma spraying granulated powder, coating porosity < 5%, temperature resistance up to 1400°C, used in aero-engine blades.

⚙️ IV. Process advantages: Improving manufacturing efficiency and consistency ​

​ Rheological property optimization ​

• Improved flowability after granulation: The flow rate tested by the Hall flow meter is > 30 s/50g (original nanopowder < 5 s/50g), the filling density is increased by 20%, and the density uniformity deviation of the pressed blank is < 1%.

​ Simplified production process ​

• Pre-added adhesive type (such as CY-R200KRB) eliminates the degassing process, and the sintering shrinkage rate can be controlled to 20±0.5% ，Product yield increased to 98%.

💎 V. Performance Comparison and Selection Reference ​

🌱 VI. Future Trends: Green and Functional Integration ​

• ​ Green Manufacturing ：Hydrothermal synthesis granulation reduces energy consumption by 40%, and the proportion of environmentally friendly products will exceed 30% in 2025.
• ​ Biomedical Expansion ：Fluorine-doped zirconia-hydroxyapatite composite materials (such as CaF₂-HA-ZrO₂) are used for bone implantation, and the osteogenic induction activity is increased by 20%.

💎 Summary

Zirconia granulation powder through Micro-nano structural design and Rheological property optimization ，retains the functional characteristics of nanopowders while solving the process bottlenecks of industrial processing. Its core value lies in: providing dental restorations with both strength and aesthetics; providing high-end industries with reliable performance in extreme environments; laying the material foundation for emerging energy and electronic technologies. In the future, with breakthroughs in composite functionalization and green preparation technologies, its application boundaries will be further expanded to cutting-edge fields such as regenerative medicine and intelligent sensing.