Alumina Ceramics: Engineering Applications and Domestic Market Potential

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 industry, 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 Moh's 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.