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Alumina ceramic heat sink for switching power supply

With the development of electronic equipment, the power is higher and higher, the size is smaller and smaller, and the requirement of thermal conductivity is more and more strict. The previous insulation materials can not meet the needs of equipment. Alumina ceramic is a kind of material with high thermal conductivity and insulation, which can replace the previous thermal insulation materials.

Ceramic Heat Sink

1. Heat path

When a ceramic substrate is used as a thermal conductive material, it is also necessary to coat the two surfaces with thermal conductive silicone grease to fill the small gap between the ceramic gasket and the heat sink, and between the ceramic gasket and the power device, thus the contact thermal resistance is reduced.
The thermal resistance of power devices to ambient temperature is mainly composed of thermal resistance of silicon grease, thermal resistance of alumina ceramic chip, thermal resistance of silicon grease and thermal resistance of heat sink. Its cooling path is divided into two parts:
1) power unit (heat source)→ thermal conductive silicone resin → ceramic gasket → thermal conductive silicone resin → heat sink (mainly for heat transfer) ;
2)→ heat sink of ambient air (mainly through convection heat transfer) .
The main factors affecting the thermal resistance of power devices include the surface smoothness of ceramic gasket, the thickness of ceramic gasket and thermal conductive silicone, the thickness and shape of heat sink, the pressure of fastener, etc. . These factors are also related to the actual application conditions, so the thermal resistance between the power device and the heat sink will also depend on the actual assembly conditions.

Fig. 1 a thermal resistance model of a power device with an alumina ceramic pad.

Ceramic-Heat-Sink

2. Installation process and cooling design

1) heat sink type: compared with the heat conduction gasket, the ceramic gasket has the following defects (the key points to pay attention to when selecting the heat sink) : the material of the alumina ceramic heat conduction gasket is hard but fragile, and its bending and deformation resistance is poor. In the case of very poor surface flatness of the heat sink, they are prone to breakage during installation. Therefore, when ceramic gaskets are used as heat conducting elements, it is necessary to require manufacturers to control the surface flatness of heat sinks to ensure that the index is within the allowable range.
2) process assembly method (taking power MOS tube as an example to analyze) . Ceramic Gasket, power MOS tube and heat sink involve process and safety problems in the process of installation.
A) screw fixation method. Due to the limited creepage distance between the screw and the metal part of the power MOS tube after installing the power MOS tube, the screw fixing mode can only be used in the occasion of functional insulation (the heat sink is not grounded by the shell) , and can not be used in the occasion of strengthening the insulation (the shell is used as the heat sink, and the safety distance requirement is large) , otherwise it can not meet the safety requirement.
B) the power MOS transistor in TO-247 package is fixed with screws. The back of the TO-247 package power MOS tube radiates only metal and the rest is plastic. Therefore, no special treatment is required for fixed-power MOS transistors. Instead, the ceramic gasket (both sides coated with heat-conducting silicone) is clamped between the power MOS tube and the heat sink and secured directly with screws to meet functional insulation requirements, as shown in figures 2(a) and (b) . The creepage distance between the metal part of the power MOS transistor and the screw is 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm (depending on the shape of the power MOS transistor provided by the manufacturer) .

Fig. 2(a) rear view of a power MOS transistor encapsulated in TO-247; (B) a power MOS transistor encapsulated in To-247 is bolted.

The Alumina ceramic heat sink is used as the thermal conductive material between the power device and the heat sink, which has the advantages of high thermal conductivity, high temperature/high pressure resistance, uniform heating, fast heat dissipation and simple and compact structure, it has a broad application prospect in high-power power supply products.

Ceramic Tweezers Maintenance Methods

Ceramic tweezers are made of specialized ceramics and have prominent characteristics such as being sturdy, smooth and heat-resistant. They can work perfectly in strong magnetic fields and are especially suitable for acidic environments and ultra-high temperature welding scenarios. Ceramics are typical oxidizing materials with extremely low ion transferability, ensuring that no static electricity is generated when in contact with products.

Ceramic Tweezers

Ceramic tweezers are delicate tools that require proper care to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Here are some important maintenance precautions:

1. Gentle Handling

Always handle ceramic tweezers with care. Avoid applying excessive force or using a rough grip as this can lead to breakage or deformation of the ceramic.
When picking up objects, use a controlled and steady motion to prevent sudden jerks that could damage the tweezers.

2. Avoid Collisions

Ceramic is a brittle material, so it’s crucial to keep the tweezers away from hard objects. During use and storage, be vigilant to prevent collisions that could cause cracks or chips.
Do not drop the tweezers as even a short fall can cause significant damage.

3. Regular Cleaning

Clean the ceramic tweezers promptly after each use. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to gently wipe away any dirt, residue, or contaminants.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or strong chemicals as they can damage the ceramic surface.
Make sure to thoroughly dry the tweezers before storing them to prevent moisture-related damage.

4. Temperature Control

Do not expose ceramic tweezers to extreme temperatures for extended periods. High temperatures can cause the ceramic to crack due to thermal expansion, while low temperatures may make the material more brittle.
Avoid using the tweezers to handle extremely hot or cold objects directly.

5. Proper Storage

Store ceramic tweezers in a dry, dust-free environment. A storage case or box with a soft lining can help protect them from damage.
Keep the tweezers away from direct sunlight and moisture sources to prevent degradation of the ceramic.

6. Regular Inspection

Periodically inspect the ceramic tweezers for any signs of damage such as cracks, chips, or deformations. If any damage is detected, stop using the tweezers immediately and consider repair or replacement.
Check the tips of the tweezers for wear or misalignment, as this can affect their functionality.

By following these maintenance precautions, you can ensure that your ceramic tweezers remain in good condition and provide reliable service for a long time.

How Ceramic Substrates Enhance Performance in Power Electronics and Beyond

In the world of electronics and high-performance applications, Ceramic Substrates play a pivotal role due to their excellent thermal and electrical properties. These Ceramic Components are widely used in various industries, offering a reliable solution for heat management, insulation, and structural support.

What is a Ceramic Substrate?
A Ceramic Substrate is a thin, flat component made from advanced ceramic materials, such as alumina (Al2O3), zirconia (ZrO2), or silicon carbide (SiC). These substrates are engineered for applications requiring high thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength. Their ability to withstand extreme conditions makes them ideal for use in electronic circuits, power modules, and sensor technologies.

Key Features of Ceramic Substrates
High Thermal Conductivity: Ceramic Substrates offer excellent heat dissipation, making them essential for devices that generate high levels of heat, such as power electronics and LEDs.

Electrical Insulation: As natural insulators, Ceramic Substrates provide outstanding electrical isolation between components, which is crucial in avoiding electrical shorts and ensuring reliable circuit performance.

Ceramic Substrate

Mechanical Strength: Ceramic Substrates are known for their durability and mechanical stability, capable of withstanding high pressures and mechanical stresses without deforming.

Chemical Resistance: Ceramic materials are resistant to corrosion and chemical degradation, ensuring a long service life in harsh environments, such as in automotive and aerospace applications.

Dimensional Stability: These substrates maintain their shape and size even under high temperatures, making them suitable for precision applications where stability is critical.

Applications of Ceramic Substrates
Ceramic Substrates are utilized in various industries, including:

Electronics: In the production of hybrid circuits, integrated circuits (ICs), and chip carriers, Ceramic Substrates act as the foundation for mounting and interconnecting electronic components.

Power Electronics: These substrates are essential in high-power devices where heat management is critical. Ceramic Substrates help dissipate heat efficiently, ensuring the reliability of components such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and power diodes.

LEDs: In the lighting industry, Ceramic Substrates are used to enhance heat dissipation in LED modules, improving both performance and lifespan.

Automotive and Aerospace: In demanding environments, Ceramic Substrates provide the necessary durability and thermal management for sensors, control units, and power systems.

Ceramic Substrates are an essential component in many advanced technologies, offering superior thermal management, electrical insulation, and durability. Their role in industries ranging from electronics to aerospace underscores their versatility and importance in modern applications. By incorporating Ceramic Substrates into your products, you can achieve enhanced performance, reliability, and longevity.

Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles: Key Features and Industrial Applications

In the realm of advanced labware, Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles stand out for their exceptional performance and unique properties. These crucibles are essential tools in laboratories and industries where high-purity materials and precise thermal management are critical.

What is Pyrolytic Boron Nitride?
Pyrolytic Boron Nitride is a synthetic ceramic material created through the chemical vapor deposition process. This process results in a material that is highly pure, chemically inert, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. Pyrolytic Boron Nitride’s structure is similar to that of graphite, giving it excellent thermal conductivity and making it an ideal choice for applications requiring uniform heating and minimal contamination.

Key Features of Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles
High Purity: Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles are renowned for their ultra-high purity, making them ideal for processes where contamination is a concern. The absence of binders and additives ensures that the material remains free from impurities, maintaining the integrity of sensitive materials.

Pyrolytic Boron Nitride

Thermal Stability: Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles can withstand temperatures up to 2000°C in a vacuum and 1500°C in inert atmospheres. This thermal stability makes them suitable for high-temperature applications, including crystal growth and material synthesis.

Chemical Inertness: One of the standout features of Pyrolytic Boron Nitride is its resistance to chemical reactions with acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. This property ensures that the crucible material does not react with the substances it holds, preserving the purity of the sample.

Non-Wetting Surface: Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles have a non-wetting surface, which means that molten materials do not stick to the surface, facilitating easy removal and cleaning. This is particularly beneficial in processes involving molten metals and glass.

Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles find use in a variety of high-tech industries, including:
Semiconductor Manufacturing: The high purity and thermal stability of Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles make them ideal for producing semiconductor materials, where even the slightest contamination can lead to defects.

Crystal Growth: In the production of single crystals, such as those used in laser technology, Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles provide a stable environment that promotes uniform crystal growth.

Chemical Processing: Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles are used in chemical vapor deposition and other processes where chemical resistance and high-temperature capabilities are required.

Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles are an indispensable component in advanced labware, offering unmatched purity, thermal stability, and chemical inertness. Whether in semiconductor manufacturing, crystal growth, or chemical processing, these crucibles provide reliable performance in the most demanding applications. By integrating Pyrolytic Boron Nitride Crucibles into your processes, you ensure that your materials and products maintain the highest standards of quality and purity.

Boron Nitride Setter Plates: The Ultimate Ceramic Plates for Extreme Conditions

Boron Nitride Setter Plates are a crucial component in the field of advanced ceramics, offering exceptional performance in high-temperature and high-vacuum environments. These plates are widely used in various industries due to their unique properties and versatility.

Introduction to Boron Nitride Setter Plates
Boron Nitride Setter Plates are specialized ceramic plates designed to meet the rigorous demands of high-tech industries. Known for their non-toxic, odorless nature, and exceptional resistance to various chemical and thermal challenges, these plates have become indispensable in laboratories and manufacturing processes. Their unique ability to withstand extreme conditions makes them a preferred choice in many cutting-edge applications.

Key Features of Boron Nitride Setter Plates
Boron Nitride Setter Plates offer a range of features that set them apart from other ceramic plates:

Non-Toxic and Odorless: These plates are safe to handle and use, making them ideal for sensitive environments where purity is paramount.

Chemical Resistance: At room temperature, Boron Nitride Setter Plates do not react with acids, bases, salts, or organic reagents. They show slight corrosion in molten salts and alkalis but can resist the corrosion of various acids even at high temperatures.

Thermal and Chemical Stability: These plates do not react with most molten metals, semiconductors, or their compounds, making them suitable for use in high-temperature applications.

Excellent Thermal Shock Resistance: Boron Nitride Setter Plates can withstand rapid temperature changes, as evidenced by their ability to resist cracking when submerged in water at 2000°C.

High Operating Temperature: With no sublimation point and the ability to decompose directly into boron and nitrogen at temperatures above 3000°C, these plates can handle extreme heat with ease.

Electrical Insulation: Boron Nitride Setter Plates have high resistance and excellent electrical insulation properties, making them ideal for use in electronic and semiconductor applications.

Boron Nitride Setter Plates

Smooth Surface and Non-Wetting: The smooth, pore-free surface of these plates prevents them from becoming wet with most semiconductor melts, ensuring a clean and efficient operation in high-tech settings.

Applications of Boron Nitride Setter Plates
Boron Nitride Setter Plates are used in a wide range of applications, particularly where high temperatures and clean environments are essential. Some of the key applications include:

OLED Evaporation Units: These plates play a critical role in the manufacturing of OLED displays, providing a stable and clean environment for material deposition.

Semiconductor Single Crystal Growth: Used in techniques like Vertical Gradient Freeze (VGF) and Liquid Encapsulated Czochralski (LEC), Boron Nitride Setter Plates ensure the purity and quality of the growing crystals.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE): In this precision technique, these plates provide the necessary stability and non-reactive surface for layer-by-layer material deposition.

MOCVD Heaters: Boron Nitride Setter Plates are used in Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) processes, offering excellent thermal conductivity and stability.

PBN Coated Carriers: These plates serve as carriers in various semiconductor processes, where their resistance to chemical and thermal stress is critical.

High-Temperature and High-Vacuum Equipment: As insulation boards, Boron Nitride Setter Plates provide effective thermal management in extreme conditions.

Boron Nitride Setter Plates represent the pinnacle of advanced ceramic technology, offering unparalleled performance in environments that demand the highest levels of purity, stability, and durability. Whether you’re working with OLEDs, semiconductors, or other high-tech materials, these plates deliver the reliability and consistency that professionals need. Their role in modern technology is undeniable, and their continued use will undoubtedly shape the future of advanced ceramics.

Why Beryllium Crucibles Are the Preferred Choice in High-Purity Metal Processing

Beryllium Crucibles are indispensable tools in modern laboratories, especially when working with extreme temperatures and high-purity materials. Their unique properties and applications make them a vital part of labware, often preferred over other materials due to their superior performance.

Introduction to Beryllium Crucibles
Beryllium Crucibles are high-performance labware items designed to withstand extremely high temperatures, making them ideal for containing chemical compounds during heating processes. These crucibles are often used in the melting of rare and precious metals, particularly when high-purity outcomes are required. Their unmatched thermal conductivity and durability make them a preferred choice in various scientific and industrial applications.

Key Features of Beryllium Crucibles
Beryllium Crucibles boast several notable features that contribute to their widespread use:

High-Temperature Resistance: These crucibles can endure extreme heat, making them suitable for laboratory settings where materials are heated to temperatures as high as 1600°C.

Superior Thermal Conductivity: With a thermal conductivity of ≥240 W.m-1. K-1, Beryllium Crucibles ensure even heat distribution, which is critical for consistent results in sensitive experiments.

Beryllium Crucible

Competitive Pricing: Despite their advanced capabilities, Beryllium Crucibles are competitively priced, offering excellent value, especially when long-term durability and performance are considered.

Exceptional Crystalline Structure: The uniformity of the crystalline structure in Beryllium Crucibles contributes to their reliability and effectiveness in high-stakes environments.

Chemical Resistance: Beryllium Crucibles are durable even in aggressive semiconductor chamber cleaning solutions, adding to their versatility and longevity.

Applications of Beryllium Crucibles
Beryllium Crucibles are particularly valued in industries where the melting and purification of rare and precious metals are routine. Their ability to handle high-purity metals or alloys makes them indispensable in such processes. Whether used in scientific research or industrial manufacturing, these crucibles provide the precision and reliability that professionals require.

We produce beryllium Crucible specification data
Understanding the technical specifications of Beryllium Crucibles is crucial for selecting the right tool for your labware needs:

BeO Content: >99%
Color: White
Specific Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Hardness: 9 GPa
Melting Point: -40 to +1600°C
Breakdown Electric Field Strength: ≥50 KV.mm-1
Flexural Strength: ≥190Mpa
Thermal Conductivity: ≥240 W.m-1. K-1
These technical characteristics highlight the robust and efficient nature of Beryllium Crucibles, making them a superior choice among labware options.

In the realm of advanced ceramic products, Beryllium Crucibles stand out as a reliable and high-performing option for laboratories and industries dealing with high temperatures and precious metals. Their impressive thermal conductivity, durability, and competitive pricing make them a valuable addition to any labware collection. Whether you’re working with ceramic plates or other advanced materials, Beryllium Crucibles provide the consistency and quality needed for successful outcomes.

By understanding the unique features and applications of Beryllium Crucibles, professionals can make informed decisions that enhance their operations and contribute to achieving precise results in their work.

Ceramic Fasteners Explained: Key Advantages and Industry Applications

Ceramic Fasteners are becoming increasingly popular in industries where traditional metal fasteners fall short. These specialized components offer a range of benefits that make them indispensable in demanding applications. Ceramic Components, including fasteners, are known for their exceptional properties, such as high-temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical inertness.

The Advantages of Ceramic Fasteners
Ceramic Fasteners stand out due to their remarkable ability to perform in extreme environments. Unlike metal fasteners, which can corrode, degrade, or lose strength under high temperatures, Ceramic Fasteners maintain their integrity and performance. Here’s why they are so effective:

High-Temperature Resistance
One of the most significant advantages of Ceramic Fasteners is their ability to withstand extreme temperatures. These components can endure conditions that would cause metal fasteners to fail, making them ideal for use in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where temperature stability is crucial.

Chemical Inertness
Ceramic Components, including fasteners, are highly resistant to chemical reactions. This property is particularly beneficial in industries like chemical processing, where exposure to harsh chemicals is common. Ceramic Fasteners do not corrode or react with most chemicals, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.

Ceramic Fasteners

Electrical Insulation
Another key benefit of Ceramic Fasteners is their excellent electrical insulation properties. This makes them ideal for use in electronic devices and other applications where electrical conductivity needs to be minimized. The use of Ceramic Components in such contexts helps prevent short circuits and ensures the safe operation of sensitive equipment.

Mechanical Strength and Hardness
Ceramic Fasteners are incredibly hard and strong, offering excellent wear resistance. Their mechanical strength makes them suitable for applications where traditional fasteners might wear out or deform over time. This durability translates to longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.

Applications of Ceramic Fasteners
Given their unique properties, Ceramic Fasteners are used across a wide range of industries. Here are a few key applications:

Aerospace: In aerospace engineering, where weight, temperature, and durability are critical, Ceramic Fasteners are often used in high-performance engines and other components.

Electronics: Ceramic Components are essential in electronic devices for mounting and securing parts without compromising electrical insulation.

Chemical Processing: The chemical resistance of Ceramic Fasteners makes them ideal for securing components in environments where exposure to corrosive substances is common.

Medical Devices: In the medical field, Ceramic Components are used in devices where biocompatibility and sterilization are crucial, offering safe and reliable fastening solutions.

Ceramic Fasteners represent a significant advancement in the realm of fastening solutions. Their unique properties, including high-temperature resistance, chemical inertness, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, make them ideal for a wide range of applications. As industries continue to push the boundaries of what materials can do, Ceramic Components, particularly fasteners, will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the reliability and performance of advanced systems.

Whether you are involved in aerospace, electronics, chemical processing, or medical devices, considering Ceramic Fasteners in your designs can lead to improved performance, longer-lasting components, and ultimately, a more competitive edge in your industry.We are Ceramic Fasteners manufacturer, if you need related products, please contact us.

Silicon Carbide Crucibles: The Versatile Workhorses of High-Temperature Labware

In the realm of advanced materials and scientific research, Silicon Carbide (SiC) Crucibles stand as the unsung heroes, powering through demanding applications with their unparalleled properties. These crucibles are not just containers; they are the backbone of countless experiments and industrial processes, where precision, durability, and efficiency are paramount.

Features That Set Silicon Carbide Crucibles Apart
Fast Heat Conduction: Silicon Carbide Crucibles boast a dense microstructure with low porosity, allowing for rapid and efficient heat transfer. This feature is crucial in high-temperature applications where time is of the essence, ensuring uniform heating and reducing processing times significantly.

Silicon Carbide Crucibles

High Oxidation Resistance: Unlike many other materials, SiC crucibles exhibit exceptional resistance to oxidation, even at extreme temperatures. This characteristic makes them ideal for environments where exposure to air or oxidizing agents is inevitable, preserving their integrity and prolonging their lifespan.

Eco-Friendly & Less Polluting: With little or no harmful impurities, Silicon Carbide Crucibles contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Their fast heat transfer capabilities also translate into energy savings, as less fuel is required to reach and maintain desired temperatures, thereby reducing exhaust pollution.

Technical Excellence: Boasting a specific density of ≥3.1 g/cm³, a flexural strength ranging from 320-400 MPa at 20°C, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (4×10-6/K), SiC crucibles demonstrate exceptional mechanical and thermal stability. Their thermal conductivity of 116 Wm/K ensures swift and even heating, making them the perfect choice for precise temperature control.

Applications: Where Silicon Carbide Crucibles Shine
Chemistry: In chemical laboratories, Silicon Carbide Crucibles are indispensable for high-temperature reactions and syntheses. Their resistance to oxidation and corrosion allows for safe and efficient processing of reactive chemicals.

Glass Industry: From melting glass batches to refining optical fibers, SiC crucibles provide the stability and durability needed for these delicate processes. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures without degrading ensures consistent product quality.

Powder Sintering: In powder metallurgy and ceramics, Silicon Carbide Crucibles enable the consolidation of powders into dense, high-performance materials. Their fast heat conduction promotes rapid sintering, reducing cycle times and energy consumption.

Metal Smelting: For small-scale metal refining and alloying, SiC crucibles offer a cost-effective and efficient solution. Their high oxidation resistance ensures that metals are purified without contamination from the crucible itself.

Silicon Carbide Crucibles are the epitome of versatility and reliability in high-temperature labware. Their unique combination of fast heat conduction, high oxidation resistance, eco-friendliness, and technical excellence make them the preferred choice for a wide range of applications across industries. Whether you’re a chemist exploring new reactions, a glassmaker crafting exquisite art, or a metallurgist refining precious metals, Silicon Carbide Crucibles are the workhorses that keep your processes running smoothly and efficiently. As the world continues to push the boundaries of science and technology, Silicon Carbide Crucibles will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, powering our progress towards a brighter future.

Alumina Ceramic Balls: The Durability Champions in High-Performance Industries

The main component of alumina ceramic balls is alumina (Al2O3). According to the content, it can be divided into 92%, 95%, 99%, and 99.99%.

Alumina ceramic balls

Characteristics of alumina ceramic balls:
1. High wear resistance: Aluminum oxide ceramic balls have excellent wear resistance and can withstand the impact and wear of high-speed fluids and particles. Its surface is smooth and flat, effectively reducing wear and extending its service life.

2. High temperature resistance: Alumina ceramic grinding balls can maintain good physical and chemical properties in high-temperature environments without melting or deformation. This makes it excellent in high-temperature applications, such as engine components in the aerospace industry.

3. Corrosion resistance: Alumina ceramic grinding balls have high corrosion resistance to corrosive substances such as acid and alkali, and are suitable for the treatment of various corrosive media. This characteristic makes it widely used in the chemical industry.

4. High hardness: Alumina ceramic grinding balls have a higher hardness than other materials, making them less prone to damage when used in high-speed rotating or vibrating equipment.

5. High compressive strength: Alumina ceramic grinding balls have high compressive strength, are not easy to break or shatter, and can withstand large pressures.

6. Good thermal stability: Alumina ceramic grinding balls have good thermal stability, can withstand high temperature environments, and are not easily deformed or melted.

Alumina ceramic balls

The application of alumina ceramic balls
1.As a cover and support material for the catalyst inside the reactor and tower packing, it increases the distribution points of gas or liquid, supports and protects the active catalyst with low strength.

2. As a grinding medium, it is used for grinding ores, slurries, wear-resistant materials, as well as grinding powders, coatings, paints, etc. It is widely used in fine crushing equipment such as ball mills, vibration mills, and can mills.

3. As a polishing material, its excellent wear resistance and roundness can avoid scratches and allow for more thorough contact with polished objects.

Aluminum oxide ceramic balls are also widely used in industries such as petrochemicals, building and sanitary ceramics, non-metallic minerals, steel, and electronics.

How to Use Different Ceramic Crucibles in the Laboratory

1. How to Use a Crucible
A crucible is a vessel or melting pot made from highly refractory materials such as clay, quartz, ceramic clay, or difficult-to-melt metals. Crucibles are primarily used for the evaporation, concentration, or crystallization of solutions, and for burning solid substances. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly use a crucible in the laboratory:

Heating Solids: When a solid needs to be heated to high temperatures, a crucible is essential. Place the lid diagonally on the crucible to prevent heated objects from escaping and to allow air to enter and exit for potential oxidation reactions.
Placement for Heating: Due to its small bottom, a crucible typically needs to be placed on a mud triangle for direct fire heating. It can be positioned directly or diagonally on an iron tripod based on the experimental requirements.
Post-Heating Handling: After heating, avoid placing the crucible on a cold metal surface to prevent cracking from rapid cooling. Similarly, do not place it on a wooden surface to avoid burns or fire hazards. The proper method is to leave it on an iron tripod for natural cooling or place it on an asbestos mesh for slow cooling. Always use crucible tongs for handling.

Ceramic crucible of application scenarios

Main Uses:

Evaporation, concentration, or crystallization of solutions.
Burning of solid substances.

Precautions:

The crucible can be directly heated but should not be suddenly cooled afterward. Use crucible tongs for removal.
Always place the crucible on an iron tripod during heating.
Stir during evaporation, and when nearly dry, use residual heat to complete the drying process.

2. Commonly Used Ceramic Crucibles in the Labware
Ceramic crucibles, often made from glazed pottery, have a high melting point (1410℃) and can withstand high-temperature operations. For instance, ceramic crucibles can be heated up to 1200℃ with minimal mass change, making them ideal for burning and weighing precipitation. High-profile ceramic crucibles are also suitable for handling samples under air isolation conditions.

Attention:

The thermal expansion coefficient of laboratory ceramic vessels is (3-4) × 10⁻⁶. Thick-walled ceramic vessels should avoid sudden temperature changes and uneven heating during high-temperature operations to prevent rupture.
Ceramic vessels have better stability against chemical reagents such as acids and alkalis compared to glassware, but they should not come into contact with hydrofluoric acid.
Ceramic crucibles are not resistant to the corrosion of caustic soda and sodium carbonate, especially during their melting operations. Using inert substances like MgO and C powder as fillers, or wrapping alkaline flux in filter paper, can partially replace platinum products.
Ceramic vessels are mechanically strong and cost-effective, making them widely used.

Types of Ceramic Crucibles:

Aluminum Oxide Crucibles:

Made from nearly pure aluminum oxide, sintered at high temperatures.
Features: High temperature resistance (melting point of 2045℃), high hardness, and good corrosion resistance to acids and alkalis.
Usage: Suitable for melting and sintering certain alkaline fluxes, but the temperature should not be too high, and the time should be kept short. They can sometimes replace nickel and platinum crucibles but are unsuitable when aluminum interferes with measurements.

Quartz Crucibles:

Made by melting natural colorless and transparent crystals at high temperatures. Translucent quartz is made from vein quartz or quartz sand.
Features: Excellent physical and chemical properties, particularly acid resistance (except for hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids at high temperatures).
Usage: Ideal for melting acidic fluxes and sodium thiosulfate. The operating temperature should not exceed 1100℃. Quartz crucibles are not resistant to hydrofluoric acid or strong alkaline solutions at elevated temperatures.

Quartz crucible

Use of Crucibles in Analytical Chemistry：

Ceramic crucibles with a capacity of 10-15 milliliters are commonly used in the quantitative analysis of analytical chemistry. They allow the analyte to react fully at high temperatures, with quantitative measurements based on the mass difference before and after the reaction.

Handling and Weighing:

Due to their water absorption properties, ceramic crucibles should be dried and weighed on an analytical balance before use.
Analytes filtered using ash-free filter paper can be burned in the crucible without affecting results.
After high-temperature treatment, the crucible and its contents should be dried and cooled in a specially designed dryer before weighing, using clean crucible tongs throughout the process.

Ceramic crucibles are indispensable in laboratory settings due to their durability, thermal stability, and resistance to various chemical reactions. Their versatility and mechanical strength make them a preferred choice for many high-temperature applications.