Sanxin New Materials Co., Ltd.: world leader in advanced ceramics with 2008 year, specializing in ceramic grinding media, wear-resistant parts and structural components for the mining industry, electronic, pharmaceutical, aerospace and other industries.
Anyuan Industrial Park, Pingxiang city, Jiangxi Province, China
aluminum oxide based (Al₂O₃) provides excellent hardness, electrical insulation and thermal stability, enabling reliable high-performance applications in demanding environments.
Alumina ball
Aluminum ball bearing
Structural ceramics made of aluminum
Wear-resistant aluminum ceramics
We look forward to answering any questions or sharing more information about our alumina ceramic offerings and support services. Whether you’re exploring custom prototypes or scaling production for demanding industrial applications, our team is ready to guide you through the capabilities of this exceptional material.
We customize every aspect to meet your precise requirements, from material cleanliness to dimensional tolerances. Below are examples from our previous projects, featuring high-precision grinding balls, wear-resistant pump liners, and electrical insulators. Ready to design your custom parts? Contact us today—our engineers can collaborate on CAD models and rapid prototyping to accelerate your schedule.
The history of aluminum oxide ceramics begins in the late 19th century, rooted in the discovery of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) as a natural mineral known as corundum, prized for its hardness in ancient abrasives and gemstones such as rubies and sapphires. The modern era arrived in 1887 with the Bayer process, invented by Austrian chemist Karl Joseph Bayer, which enabled the efficient extraction of aluminum oxide from bauxite ore—transforming it from a geological curiosity into an industrial standard for aluminum production. By the early 20th century, aluminum oxide found its first widespread use as an abrasive in grinding wheels and refractories, taking advantage of its Mohs hardness of 9.
The 1930s marked a turning point with the commercialization of high-quality synthetic alumina, paving the way for structural ceramics beyond simple abrasives. Electrification and the aerospace boom after World War II propelled alumina into electronics (for example, high-voltage insulators by the 1960s) and engine components, where its thermal stability proved invaluable. Biomedical applications emerged in the 1930s with early patents for clinical use, but practical adoption skyrocketed in the 1970s for hip implants thanks to its biocompatibility. Today, global production exceeds 100 million tons annually, driven by semiconductors, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing—reflecting alumina’s evolution from basic refractories to a cornerstone of advanced engineering.
Alumina ceramics, derived from aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), are a fundamental class of advanced materials renowned for their superior hardness, electrical insulation, and resistance to wear, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. Chemically stable and ionically bonded, the alpha phase of aluminum oxide (corundum structure) provides exceptional compressive strength while maintaining a low density (3.6–4.0 g/cm³), making it lighter than steel but far more durable in abrasive conditions. This versatile substance can be engineered into a variety of shapes—from microprecision balls to large structural linings—positioning it as a preferred option for industries requiring reliability without the disadvantages of metals such as rust or fatigue.
Alumina’s performance stems from its high melting point (>2000°C) and low thermal conductivity (20–35 W/m K), making it ideal for insulating high-temperature environments such as furnaces or motors. In industrial applications, it excels in scenarios requiring superior abrasion resistance, such as grinding environments with wear rates <0.1 mm³/N m, or insulators with a dielectric strength >20 kV/mm to prevent arcing. Cost-effective and scalable through the Bayer process, alumina balances premium properties with affordability, often being 30–50% cheaper than alternatives such as zirconia while sharing 80–90% of their viscosity in compressive roles.
Alumina’s environmental profile also shines: recyclable, non-toxic, and derived from abundant bauxite, it supports green initiatives by reducing reliance on metals in corrosive or highly abrasive applications, meeting 2030 sustainability goals.
Alumina-based ceramics are available in several formulas, each tailored to different purity levels to optimize performance and mitigate brittleness through controlled microstructures. Key differences include 92% alumina, 95% alumina, 99% alumina, 99.9% high-grade alumina, and 99.99% ultra-high-grade alumina. These grades capture desirable characteristics, such as improved insulation or transparency, for specific applications. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
92% aluminum oxide ceramic
Overview : Industry standard at 95% purity, balancing affordability with reliable wear properties.
Improvements : Improved machinability and corrosion resistance due to finer grains (2–5 µm).
Applications : Pump liners, catalyst carriers and Al₂O₃ cement/mineral grinding balls where density promotes efficient grinding.
95% aluminum oxide ceramic
Overview : Industry standard at 95% purity, balancing affordability with reliable wear properties.
Improvements : Improved machinability and corrosion resistance due to finer grains (2–5 µm).
Applications : Pump liners, catalyst carriers and Al₂O₃ cement/mineral grinding balls where density promotes efficient grinding.
Colour and visual characteristics : Predominantly white/off-white, high-quality grades (>99.5%) achieve translucency or near optical clarity; surface treatments allow matte or reflective finishes for functional aesthetics
Instructions: Follow the installation guide or contact us for assistance to ensure perfect results every time.
Basic attributes
| Property | Units. change. | Test standard | 92% Al₂O₃ | 95% Al₂O₃ | 99% Al₂O₃ | 99,9% Al₂O₃ | 99,99% Al₂O₃ |
| Material | – | – | Pale white | Pale white | White | Translucent | Transparent |
| Density | g/cm³ | ISO 18754 | 3,60 | 3,70 | 3,90 | 3,98 | 3,99 |
| Bending strength | MPa | ASTM C1161 | 250 | 300 | 400 | 450 | 500 |
| Compressive strength | MPa | ASTM C773 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3500 | 4000 |
| Young's modulus | GPa | ASTM C1198 | 280 | 320 | 350 | 380 | 390 |
| Fracture toughness | MPa·m¹/² | ASTM C1421 | 3,0 | 3,5 | 4,5 | 5,0 | 5,5 |
| Poisson's ratio | – | ASTM C1421 | 0,22 | 0,22 | 0,22 | 0,22 | 0,22 |
| Hardness HRA | HRA | Rockwell 45N | 90 | 92 | 94 | 95 | 96 |
| Vickers hardness | HV | ASTM E384 | 1100 | 1300 | 1600 | 1900 | 2000 |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ | ASTM E831 | 7,0 | 7,5 | 8,0 | 8,2 | 8,3 |
| Thermal conductivity | W/m·K | ASTM E1461 | 18 | 22 | 28 | 32 | 35 |
| Thermal shock resistance | ΔT (°C) | – | 200 | 250 | 350 | 450 | 500 |
| Max. temperature of use in an oxidizing atmosphere | °C | No load | 1400 | 1500 | 1650 | 1750 | 1800 |
| Max. temperature for use in a reducing or inert atmosphere | °C | No load | 1300 | 1400 | 1550 | 1650 | 1700 |
| Volume resistance at 20°C | Ohm cm | ASTM D257 | 10¹² | 10¹³ | 10¹⁴ | 10¹⁵ | 10¹⁶ |
| Dielectric strength | kV/mm | ASTM D149 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 28 | 30 |
| Dielectric constant (1 MHz) | – | ASTM D150 | 9,0 | 9,2 | 9,6 | 9,9 | 10,0 |
| Dielectric loss angle at 20°C, 1 MHz | tan δ | ASTM D150 | 6×10⁻⁴ | 4×10⁻⁴ | 2×10⁻⁴ | 1×10⁻⁴ | 5×10⁻⁵ |
Note: Values vary depending on grain size/porosity; nano grades can exceed benchmarks.
Benchmarking for Precision Engineering
Aluminum oxide shines in economical, high-load roles, often outperforming metals in durability. Below is an extended comparison:
| Characteristic | Aluminum Oxide Ceramics | Structural ceramics (e.g., zirconium) | Glass | Steel | Tungsten carbide |
| Strength and Toughness | High compression (fragile in tension) | Outstanding (phase change strengthening) | Average, fragile | High stretch/compression | Excellent (fragile) |
| Thermal stability | Excellent (melting 1800°C) | Excellent (2700°C) | Average (~500°C softening) | Decreasing >800°C | Fireproof |
| Wear resistance | Exceptional (μ 0.1–0.4) | Highest level | Average | Moderate (rusts) | Elite |
| Corrosion resistance | Highly inert (pH 0–14) | Excellent | Good to acids | Inclination without coating | Chemical-resistant |
| Transparency | Opaque (translucent in high quality) | Opaque (translucent YSZ) | Transparent | Opaque | Opaque |
| Biocompatibility | High (ISO 10993) | Medical grade | Varies | Varies (allergenic) | Varies |
| Electrical insulation | Excellent (>10¹⁶ Ohm cm) | Excellent | good | Conductive | Conductive |
| Magnetic behavior | Non-magnetic | Non-magnetic | Non-magnetic | Often magnetic | Non-magnetic |
| Price (per kg) | Low ($5–20) | Moderate ($50–100) | Very low | Low | High ($100+) |
Industry data; Cost-effectiveness of aluminum oxide favors high-volume applications, such as grinding.
Durability: Hardness extends service life by 5–15 times compared to metals in abrasives, reducing downtime by 40%.
Adaptability: Operation from -200°C to 1800°C, universal for cryogenic to furnace use.
Visual/functional finishing: White translucency helps inspection; polishing to Ra 0,01 µm.
Minimal Maintenance: Inertness reduces corrosion repairs in chemicals/minerals.
Economic value: On 50% cheaper than carbides, ROI through pollution reduction.
Environmental safety: Recyclable, low energy Bayer process; non-toxic for pharma/food.
Reliable Performance: Fatigue resistance >107 cycles; rigid for precision machines.
Friction durability: Low wear in suspensions, energy saving 15–25%.
Friendly to the body: Osseointegration >90% in implants.
Anti-corrosion: Withstands acids without HF, vital for processing.
Thermal efficiency: Isolates electronics, dissipates in radiators.
Aluminum oxide components dominate there, where toughness meets economics, from sanding to insulation. Their abrasion resistance and cleanliness make them vital. Here's an extended review with the top 10:
Al₂O₃ (clinker to powder, energy saving) and minerals (ore in fines, uniform RPS). Wear-resistant parts line the mills.
Bushings/insulators for guides; substrates for PP.
Sensors/capacitors with insulation; uniform heaters.
Hip joints are hard/biocompatible; precision dental instruments.
Engine Screens Extreme Temperatures; oxidation-proof coatings.
Stress-resistant candles; low friction linings.
Scratch-proof lenses.
Crucibles inert experiments.
Aluminum oxide combination cements its role in impactful innovation, market up $106 billion k 2032 year.
Although standard aluminum oxide is opaque, stamps >99,5% reach translucency (40–60% transmittance), allowing optics like sapphire windows. Problems: grain control during sintering for clarity. Methods: HIP or doping for LED phosphors. Applications: biomedical imaging, photonics. Prospects: nano alumina for 90% transparency, revolutionizing displays.
The process begins with purchasing high quality aluminum oxide powder. This powder is obtained from bauxite using the Bayer process and can be sprayed for uniform particle size.
The powder is mixed with binders, plasticizers and additives, then ball milled to achieve uniform particle distribution.
The workpiece undergoes thermal or chemical debinding to prevent defects.
Parts are sintered in a high-temperature furnace. Particles merge, increasing density and strength. Temperature and atmosphere are critical parameters.
Defect tests, dimensions, strength, x-ray diffraction, microscopy.
Finished parts are packaged and sent to customers or for further processing.
The Alumina Pathway Is Focused on Hybridization/Resistance:
50 nm dispersoids double viscosity for dynamic grinding.
Aluminum Oxide Matrix Composites for Aero, engines of 30% easier.
GaN Alumina Substrates Replace Si in 5G/EV.
SLA for complex linings, waste -40%.
Recycled bauxite reduces CO₂ by 25%; US/EU production is growing.
CAGR 3% to $106 billion k 2032 year, EV/5G move.
Alumina ceramics revolutionize durability/precision, surpassing steel in harsh duties. For large projects, on-site laboratories/supply optimization.
Aluminum oxide takes off with the Bayer process 1887 year, its hardness/insulation fueling post-war electronics/aero. From abrasives to implants, its economics/biocompatibility coincided with sustainability, promising enhanced impacts.