In today's high - tech and industrial fields, high - performance zirconia bricks play a crucial role. For example, in the glass manufacturing industry, these bricks are used in glass melting furnaces. They can withstand high temperatures of up to 1700°C, ensuring the stability and quality of the glass melting process. In the chemical industry, they are employed in reactors where corrosive substances are involved, showing excellent corrosion resistance and extending the service life of the equipment.
There are three main raw materials that contribute to the outstanding performance of high - performance zirconia bricks: α - Al2O3, partially stabilized zirconia, and zircon - corundum clinker.
α - Al2O3 has high hardness and wear resistance. When used in zirconia bricks, it significantly improves the mechanical strength of the bricks. Studies have shown that bricks containing about 30% α - Al2O3 can increase their compressive strength by about 20% compared to those without it, reaching up to 300 MPa. This high - strength property allows the bricks to withstand heavy loads in industrial applications.
Partially stabilized zirconia has excellent thermal shock resistance. It can maintain its structural integrity even when subjected to rapid temperature changes. In practical applications, it enables zirconia bricks to endure temperature fluctuations from room temperature to over 1500°C without cracking. This property is particularly important in industries where sudden temperature changes occur frequently, such as in some metal smelting processes.
Zircon - corundum clinker enhances the corrosion resistance of zirconia bricks. In a chemical environment with strong acids or alkalis, bricks with an appropriate amount (about 25%) of zircon - corundum clinker can reduce the corrosion rate by up to 50% compared to ordinary bricks. This makes them suitable for use in harsh chemical production environments.
The manufacturing process of high - performance zirconia bricks includes several key steps: mixing, forming, drying, and high - temperature firing in a shuttle kiln.
During the mixing process, the raw materials are evenly combined. A well - mixed raw material ensures uniform distribution of various components in the bricks, which is essential for consistent performance. Precise control of the mixing time and speed can improve the homogeneity of the mixture, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the bricks.
Forming determines the shape and density of the bricks. High - pressure forming can increase the density of the bricks, which in turn improves their strength and durability. For example, by using a pressure of 200 MPa during forming, the density of the bricks can reach 3.5 g/cm³, providing better performance in high - temperature and high - load environments.
Proper drying is crucial to prevent cracking during the subsequent firing process. The drying process should be carried out slowly and evenly to remove moisture from the bricks. Usually, the bricks are dried at a temperature of about 120°C for 24 hours to ensure a stable structure before firing.
Firing in a shuttle kiln at high temperatures (up to 1800°C) can promote the sintering of the raw materials, forming a dense and stable structure. This process further enhances the high - temperature resistance, strength, and chemical stability of the bricks. The firing time and temperature profile need to be carefully controlled to achieve the best performance.
In a large - scale glass manufacturing plant, after replacing ordinary bricks with high - performance zirconia bricks in the glass melting furnace, the service life of the furnace increased from 2 years to 5 years, greatly reducing the frequency of furnace repairs and replacements, and improving production efficiency. In a chemical plant, the use of these zirconia bricks in reactors reduced the corrosion - related maintenance costs by 40%.
Our high - performance zirconia bricks are the result of meticulous design and strict manufacturing processes. We are committed to providing high - quality products to meet the diverse needs of global customers. If you want to learn more about our high - performance zirconia bricks or have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to establishing long - term cooperation with you!