Composite materials
Combining the properties of high purity Alumina and our range of stabilised Zirconia variants, MTC Rugby can produce enhanced materials that perform excellently in challenging environments. Our engineers consistently find appropriate solutions to demanding applications across numerous market sectors.
At MTC Rugby we work regularly with Zirconia and Alumina and using our in-depth understanding of the properties of these materials employ coating processes and compounds to produce a range of high performance composite materials. Our composite materials include Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA 20) and an Alumina Matrix Composite, Vitox™ AMC.
Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA20)
The properties of Alumina can be enhanced by adding between 5 – 20 wt% Zirconia to the ceramic. Strength and toughness can be doubled if fine tetragonal Zirconia is present. The Zirconia particle size and distribution is critical. For strength and toughness, it should be such that stress-induced transformation of metastable tetragonal Zirconia occurs. If toughness and thermal shock resistance is required, the Zirconia particles should be monoclinic in the as-fired state and cause limited microcrack development. Toughness arises from microcrack nucleation.
In general, the properties of ZTA are intermediate between that of Alumina and Zirconia and alongside this; the cost is intermediate between the two.
Vitox™ AMC (Alumina Matrix Composite)
Very high purity, sub micron grain sized Zirconia toughened Alumina matrix composite material. Composed of a 99.9% Alumina and 3mol% Yttria partially stabilised Zirconia (Y-PSZ), produced specifically for surgical implant devices. This material complies with ISO6474 part 1 “Implants for Surgery -- Ceramic Materials Based on High Purity Alumina”.
Our Zirconia toughened alumina and Vitox™ AMC have been frequently used within the medical and defence sectors, if you would like more information on how these materials could be used within a specific application please contact us.
Datasheets are available for Vitox™ AMC. (Login required)
