Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) Powder
Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) Powder is a high-performance ceramic material formed by doping zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) with yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) to stabilize its crystal structure. It is available with customizable yttria content, such as 3YSZ, 5YSZ, and 8YSZ, depending on the application.
Princeton Powder offers high-purity (≥99.9%) YSZ powder with precisely controlled particle morphology, optimized for use in thermal barrier coatings, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and advanced structural ceramics.
| Material Name | Yttria (5 mol%) Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) | |
| Composition | wt% | 94.5%ZrO2, 5.2 ± 0.2 %Y2O3 |
| Specific density | g/cm3 | ≥5.95 |
| Hardness(HV) | GPa | >12 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | X10-6/k | 11 |
| Elastic modulus | GPa | 205 |
| Fracture toughness | MPa·m1/2 | >9 |
| Bending strength | MPa | >1150 |
| Grain size | μm | <0.5 |
| Thermal conductivity | w/(m·k) | 3 |
Description of yttria doped zirconia ceramic powder
Yttria Fully Stabilized Zirconia (8 mol% Y₂O₃), or YSZ-8 powder, is a well-characterized ceramic electrolyte material widely used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It serves as a reliable electrolyte membrane and is also incorporated into cermet anodes and composite cathode materials. The optimized surface area and particle size distribution of our YSZ-8 ceramic powder make it ideal for tape casting, while also supporting pellet pressing, extrusion, and other advanced ceramic processing methods.
Main properties of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Powder
- Phase-stable at high temperatures
- Excellent fracture toughness and wear resistance
- High oxygen-ion conductivity
- Thermal shock and corrosion resistance
- Available in nano, submicron, and spray-dried spherical forms
YSZ Powder Typical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Chemical Formula | (ZrO₂)x(Y₂O₃)y |
| Purity | ≥99.9% |
| Y₂O₃ Content | 3 mol%, 5 mol%, 8 mol% (custom available) |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic / Tetragonal (stabilized) |
| Particle Size | 100 nm – 5 μm / Spray-dried (15–60 µm) |
| Surface Area | 5–20 m²/g (nano grade) |
| Appearance | White powder or granules |
Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) Powder Application
- Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) – electrolyte and interconnect materials
- Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for turbines, jet engines, and power systems
- Dental and orthopedic ceramics – crowns, implants, prosthetics
- Oxygen sensors and lambda probes
- Grinding media, wear parts, and structural ceramics
- Electronics and functional ceramics
8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia powders Scholar Articles
Sinterability of commercial 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia powders and the effect of sintered density on the ionic conductivity
Abstract: The sintering behaviour of a number of commercially produced 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia powders has been studied. The effect of different sintering regimes on the density and microstructure of the sintered ceramic was determined using density measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dilatometry. The chemical homogeneity, particle size and the morphology of the as-received powder were related to the sintering behaviour of the different commercial powders. Powders prepared via a route which involved a spray-drying step sintered more readily than those prepared without a spray-drying step. Plasma-derived powders did not sinter to as high an apparent density as co-precipitated powders. The effect of sample density on the ionic conductivity of sintered YSZ ceramics was studied using a.c. impedance spectroscopy.
FAQ yttria-stabilized zirconia powders
What are the different grades of YSZ yttria-stabilized zirconia powders?
3YSZ: 3 mol% Y₂O₃ stabilized zirconia powders– best mechanical strength and fracture toughness
8YSZ: 8 mol% Y₂O₃ stabilized zirconia powders – best ionic conductivity (used in SOFCs and coatings)
Other ratios (e.g., 5YSZ) are available for specific balancing of properties.
What is the difference between YSZ and pure zirconia?
Pure zirconia is prone to phase transitions during heating/cooling, leading to cracking. YSZ is stabilized with yttria to maintain a cubic or tetragonal structure, enhancing strength, stability, and conductivity.
What particle sizes are available?
- Nano and submicron YSZ powder (100 nm – 1 µm)
- Spray-dried YSZ granules (15–60 µm) for thermal spraying or pressing
Custom sizes available upon request.