Grinding alumina-based ceramics

Ceramics, particularly new ceramic composites, are widely used in the cutting-tool industry. For example, alumina reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers (extremely fine fibers) is used to cut and machine cast iron and harder nickel-based alloys. Ceramic materials are also used in grinding wheels and as abrasives because of tiieir exceptional hardness (Table 12.4). Silicon carbide is the most widely used abrasive. 

Pure Zirconia. Pure, or unstabilized zirconia, has many uses despite the phase-transformation phenomenon described. Its density, 6.05 g/cm, makes it valuable as a grinding medium. Added to alumina or magnesia it promotes sinterability and enhances strength and other properties, as discussed above under Toughened alumina. It is an important constituent of ceramic colors, and a component of lead-zirconia-titanate-based electronic ceramic devices such as capacitors. But its uses increase dramatically as a result of a process known as stabilization, which is discussed in the following sections. 

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