Introduction of Zirconium Silicate Powder CAS#10101-52-7
Zirconium Silicate Powder has a high refractive index ranging from 1.93 to 2.01 and exhibits excellent chemical stability, making it a cost-effective and high-quality opacifier. It is extensively used in the manufacturing of building ceramics, sanitary ware, daily-use ceramics, fine art ceramics, and other ceramic products. In ceramic glaze processing, it plays an important role by enhancing glaze adhesion and improving surface hardness. Its chemical stability ensures that it remains unaffected by firing conditions, which is one of the key reasons for its widespread use in ceramics.
Beyond ceramics, zirconium silicate powder is also applied in the production of color picture tubes for the television industry, emulsified glass in glassmaking, and enamel glazes. With a high melting point of 2500°C, it is also suitable for use in refractory materials, zirconium ramming mixes for glass furnaces, castables, and spray coatings.
High-performance zirconium silicate powder, when optimized for both whitening and stability, demonstrates superior particle morphology, size distribution, dispersion, and opacity compared to conventional grades.
The whitening effect of zirconium silicate powder results from the formation of oblique zircon crystals during ceramic firing, which scatter incident light—a phenomenon known as Mie scattering. Based on both theoretical and experimental results, controlling the particle size distribution is crucial. Achieving a d50 value below 1.4 μm and a d90 value below 4.0 μm (as measured by a Japanese laser particle analyzer) provides the best milky-white opacity. Maintaining a narrow particle size distribution during grinding is essential to achieve optimal whitening performance.
Application Characteristics of Zirconium Silicate Powder:
Results from the use of nano-scale zirconium silicate powder in ceramics and functional materials show the following advantages:
Enhanced Ceramic Properties – As a ceramic glaze additive, zirconium silicate powder improves whiteness, strength, wear resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and corrosion resistance as particle size decreases. It also enhances self-cleaning properties and reduces material consumption.
Excellent Hydrolysis Resistance – Due to its strong hydrolysis resistance, nano zirconium silicate can serve as a carrier for nano-functional powders in aqueous environments. For example, Hexiang Company’s nano energy stone utilizes nano zirconium silicate as a carrier.
Superior Oxidation Resistance – With outstanding oxidation resistance, nano zirconium silicate can be used as a coating agent for functional powders. In “China Red” ceramics, it serves as the coating material that produces a vivid, non-fading red glaze.
High Strength and Wear Resistance – Nano zirconium silicate possesses excellent mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, making it an ideal raw material for high-quality grinding media and engineering ceramics.
