China and Japan are the leading exporters of zirconium dioxide, together accounting for a majority of global shipments, while the United States, Germany, and South Korea represent the largest importers. These countries dominate both supply and demand due to their advanced ceramics, refractory, and electronics manufacturing sectors. Global trade volumes have remained relatively stable over the past three years, with modest growth in Asian exports coinciding with steady Zirconium dioxide prices amid consistent industrial demand.
Zirconium dioxide (CAS 1314-23-4) is a white, crystalline, odorless solid with high thermal stability and a melting point of approximately 2715 °C; it is non-volatile and insoluble in water and most common acids. It is an inorganic metal oxide, classified as a refractory ceramic material. Industrially, it serves primarily as a precursor for zirconium metal production, oxygen sensors, and advanced ceramics—including dental prosthetics, biomedical implants, and wear-resistant components. Its key application areas include electronics (e.g., solid oxide fuel cells), coatings (as a high-refractive-index pigment and UV stabilizer), and catalysis (e.g., in automotive exhaust systems and petrochemical cracking).
Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) as an abrasive is used to make grinding wheels and special sandpaper. It is also used in ceramic glazes, in enamels, and for lining furnaces and hightemperature molds. It resists corrosion at high temperatures, making it ideal for crucibles and other types of laboratory ware. ZrO2 is used as a "getter" to remove the last trace of air when producing vacuum tubes.
Heavy, white, amorphous powder. Mohs hardness 6.5, refr index 2.2. Insoluble in water and most acids or alkalies at room temperature; soluble in nitric acid and hot concentrated hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and sulfuric acids. Most heat resistant of commercial refractories; dielectric.
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals. See more about what is Zirconium Dioxide and Zirconium Dioxide SDS information.
Find Zirconium Dioxide supply and Zirconium Dioxide suppliers on Guidechem to meet your sourcing needs from 386 trusted and certifedsuppliers.
Guidechem assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, fitness for purpose or timeliness.