Ceramics have exceptional thermal properties compared to metals and plastics. Thermal expansion is low for all types of ceramics. Other properties, such as thermal conductivity, resistance to thermal shock and resistance to extreme temperatures, vary from one group of ceramics to the next.
Description
Thermal shock resistance refers to the material's ability to withstand extreme and rapid changes in temperature. These temperature fluctuations cause thermal stresses in the ceramic, and consequently the propagation of micro-cracks that permanently damage the material.
Most isotropic ceramics have excellent resistance to extreme temperatures with low expansion coefficients, which gives them very high thermal shock resistance, in particular ZTA composites and zirconia.
A ceramic that withstands temperature variations, high temperatures and thermal shock is categorised in the group of refractory ceramics.
Application markets
These materials are used in a wide variety of sectors: aeronautical and spatial, energy, electronics, transport, chemical, engineering (equipment manufacturers, special machines, processing equipment), defence, etc.
Comparative table of properties
Comparative table of thermal properties :
| Linear thermal expansion coefficient 25-1000°C (10-6.K-1) | Thermal conductivity (W/m.K) | Maximum operating temperature (°C) in air | Thermal shock resistance | |
| Alumina (94%-99,8%) | 7,5 to 9,5 | 18 to 30 | 1500 to 1700 | + |
| Alumina-zirconia composites | 8 | 25 | 1500 | ++ |
|
Zirconia MgO & Y-TZP |
10 | 2 to 2.5 | 1000 to 2000 | ++ |
| Aluminium nitride | 5.5 | 140 to 180 | 800 | ++ |
| Sentered silicon carbide | 4 to 5 | 80 to 125 | 1400 to 1900 | +++ |
| Sentered silicon nitride | 3 to 4 | 20 to 25 | 1200 to 1500 | +++ |
| Quartz | 0.5 | 1.5 | 950 to 1150 | - |
| Glass-ceramics | 13 | 1.5 | 800 | - |
Acceptable: + ; Good: ++ ; Very good: +++
These values are for information only and do not constitute a contractual obligation.