Selected Applications of Alumina Ceramics

Of the approximately 6 million tons of non-metallurgical alumina produced worldwide in 2006, about 50% was used to produce refractory and wear ceramics, 20% abrasives, 15% whiteware and spark plugs, and 15% other technical ceramics. 

Owing to its favorable mechanical, electrical and chemical properties, the typical uses of polycrystaUine a-alumina ceramics include  

Furnace liner tubes Thread and wire guides 

Abrasion- and erosion-resistant pipe and elbow liners Liners for Venturi nozzles Filters for molten metals Cutting tool bits Grinding media Ballistic armor Electronic substrates 

Nose cones and radomes for missiles, infrared detector windows for short- 

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