| High purity ceramic materials like alumina ceramics, which
can be offered with novel formations and modifications
using advanced processing techniques, offer a wide spectrum
of enhanced properties such as high mechanical strength,
wear resistance, corrosion resistance, capability to withstand
high temperatures and thermal stresses, high electric insulation
and improved dielectric properties. High purity alumina
ceramics with controlled composition and uniform
minimal particle size can offer desired properties at low
costs as needed for many engineering applications.
High purity alumina (up to 99.99%, purity) is used in
diverse engineering applications including electronics
indu~ry, wear resistant parts, corrosion resistant parts,
chemical processing, translucent enclosures for highly
corrosive sodium vapour (high pressure sodium vapour
lamps), synthetic gems, oil and gas processing, refractories
and a wide variety of industrial applications. The chemical
applications to eliminate foaming and as catalyst in many
reactions are well-known. Activated alumina is used for
high adsorptive capacity as desiccant. Calcined alumina is
used for refractory and ceramic industries. Because of
extreme hardness (9.0 in Mobs scale), low thermal
reactivity, high melting point (above 2040°C), significant
thermal conductivity, high heat and shock resistance, good
electrical insulation even at elevated temperatures, good
chemical inertness and outstanding mechanical properties,
calcined alumina (also known as reactive alumina) is extensively
used in the industry for wear resistant parts, corrosion
resistant parts and in a wide range of electrical and
electronic applications. Some of these properties, including
its porosity and shrinkage are affected by the residual soda
content and the particle size of the material.
The paper discusses these application areas in relevant
engineering industries with respect to the desired purity, various
soda grades and applicable price levels. Indicative status
of quantitywise and valuewise market demand has been given. |
