Zirconium dioxide

Zirconium dioxide (CAS 1314-23-4), commercially known as zirconia, is a high-performance inorganic oxide used across coatings, ceramics, and surface treatment applications. It functions primarily as a hardening agent, opacifier, and surface modifier in industrial formulations.

In coatings and sealants, zirconia acts as a crosslinking agent and surface hardener, improving scratch resistance and adhesion durability in architectural and industrial finishes. Personal care formulators incorporate it into antiperspirant and deodorant products.

In these cosmetic applications, it serves as an active odor-control and sweat-inhibiting material. In printing and packaging, it is used to enhance the abrasion resistance and gloss retention of surface coatings applied to paper and board substrates.

Adhesive and elastomer manufacturers use zirconia-based additives to improve thermal stability and bonding performance in high-stress applications. This versatility makes it a critical component for many specialized industrial manufacturing processes.

Zirconium dioxide is supplied as a white powder in varying particle sizes, including nanoscale and micronized grades suited to different processing requirements. Standard supply grades include technical, ceramic, and cosmetic-grade material.

Purity levels typically range from 99% upward for high-specification applications. Stabilized forms, including yttria-stabilized and magnesia-stabilized variants, are available for customers requiring specific structural or thermal performance.