Magnesia Stabilized Zirconia (MSZ)

Why does MSZ have a better high temperature strength than YTZP?

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Transformation toughened zirconias such a Magnesia-Stabilized Zirconia have small precipitates of tetragonal phase which are formed inside of the cubic phase grains. These precipitates transform from the meta-stable tetragonal phase to the stable monoclinic phase when a crack attempts to propagate through the material. This causes the precipitate to expand and blunt the crack tip promoting toughness.

MSZ can be either ivory or yellow-orange in color due to differences in preparation of the raw material.

Ivory colored MSZ has a higher purity and offers slightly better mechanical properties.

MSZ is more stable in high temperature (220C and above), high moisture environments than YTZP - where YTZP typically degrades. MSZ has a low thermal conductivity and CTE similar to cast iron to prevent thermal mismatch in ceramic to metal assemblies. Due to the transformation toughening, STC’s partially stabilized MSZ provides excellent strength, toughness, wear, abrasion, and corrosion resistant materials to meet the severe service needs of many industries.

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Property Charts & Safety Data Sheets
Property Charts	Magnesia Stabilized Zirconia (MSZ)
Master Ceramics Property Chart	Full Color Printer Friendly - Color Printer Friendly - B&W
Safety Data Sheets	Dense Magnesia Stabilized Zirconia Ceramic Spray Dried Magnesia Stabilized Zirconia Powder (RTP)

Prime Features
High mechanical strength	High temperature resistance
Very high wear resistance	Very high impact resistance
Very low thermal conductivity	Thermal expansion suitable for ceramic-to-metal assemblies
High chemical resistance (acids/bases)

Typical Applications
Deep well, down hole components	Wear parts
Structural ceramics	Precision valve seats and seals
Roller guides for tube forming	MWD tools
Bushings	Wear sleeves
Pump pistons	Pump sleeves
Spray nozzles	Ceramic bearings

Materials Property Chart

		Zirconias
	Property	ASTM Method	Units	Magnesia Stabilized Zirconia (MSZ)
General	Crystal Size (Average)	Thin Section	Microns	30
	Color	--	--	Ivory or Yellow
	Gas Permeability	--	atms-cc/sec	gas tight <10^-10
	Water Absorption	C 20-97	%	0
Mechanical	Density	C 20-97	g/cc	5.72
	Hardness	Vickers 500gm	GPa (kg/mm²)	11.7 (1200)
	Hardness	--	R45N	78
	Fracture Toughness	Notched Beam	MPam^1/2	12
	Flexural Strength (MOR) (3 point) @ RT	F417-87	MPa (psi x 10³	620 (90)
	Tensile Strength @ RT	--	MPa (psi x 10³)	310 (45)
	Compressive Strength @ RT	--	MPa (psi x 10³)	1862 (270)
	Elastic Modulus	C848	GPa (psi x 10⁶)	206 (29.8)
	Poisson's Ratio	C848	--	0.28
Thermal	C.T.E. 25 - 100° C	C 372-96	x 10^-6/C	8.9
	C.T.E. 25 - 300° C	C 372-96	x 10^-6/C	9.7
	C.T.E. 25 - 600° C	C 372-96	x 10^-6/C	10
	Thermal Conductivity @ RT	C 408	W/m K	3
	Max Use Temp	--	Fahrenheit (°F)	2200
	Max Use Temp	--	Celsius (°C)	1200
Electrical	Dielectric Strength (.125" Thick)	D 149-97A	V/mil	300
	Dielectric Constant @ 1 MHz	D 150-98	--	22.7
	Dielectric Constant	D 150-98	--	29.2
	@ Gigahertz	D 150-98	--	6.2
	Dielectric Loss @ 1 MHz	D 150-98	--	0.0016
	Dielectric Loss	D 150-98	--	0.0018
	@ Gigahertz	D 150-98	--	6.2
	Volume Resistivity, 25°C	D 257	ohms-cm	> 1 x 10¹³
	Volume Resistivity, 300°C	D 1829	ohms-cm	5 x 10⁷
	Volume Resistivity, 500°C	D 1829	ohms-cm	1 x 10⁷
	Volume Resistivity, 700°C	D 1829	ohms-cm	2 x 10⁶

Note: The information in this data sheet is for design guidance only. STC does not warrant this data as absolute values. Forming methods and specific geometry could affect properties. Slight adjustments can be made to some of the properties to accommodate specific customer requirements. Most of the dense materials in the table are resistant to mechanical erosion and chemical attack. STC has performed ASTM testing qualification for certain compositions, in accordance with ASTM D2442. Please consult our technical staff for appropriate material and specific test results.

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