3Y-TZP Zirconia Powder — 3 mol% Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (Tosoh TZ-3Y Equivalent)
SEMITECH 3Y-TZP is a co-precipitated, spray-dried yttria-stabilized zirconia powder containing 3 mol% Y₂O₃ (5.15 wt%), engineered to deliver the mechanical performance and sintering behavior equivalent to Tosoh TZ-3Y and TZ-3YS-E. The tetragonal crystal phase is metastably retained at room temperature, enabling transformation toughening — the mechanism that gives 3Y-TZP the highest fracture toughness (8–12 MPa·m^0.5) of any oxide ceramic material.
3Y-TZP is the global standard material for dental zirconia prosthetics, structural ceramic components in semiconductor fabrication equipment, optical fiber ceramic ferrules, and precision mechanical parts operating in corrosive or high-wear environments. SEMITECH supplies this grade at 30–50% below Tosoh distributor pricing with 7–14 day lead times from stock.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZrO₂ + HfO₂ content | wt% | ≥94.5 | XRF (GB/T 26009) |
| Y₂O₃ content | wt% | 5.15 ± 0.20 | XRF |
| HfO₂ content | wt% | ≤2.0 | XRF |
| Al₂O₃ content | wt% | 0.25 ± 0.10 | XRF |
| SiO₂ | wt% | ≤0.02 | ICP-OES |
| Fe₂O₃ | wt% | ≤0.01 | ICP-OES |
| Na₂O | wt% | ≤0.04 | ICP-OES |
| Loss on ignition (1050°C) | wt% | ≤1.0 | Gravimetric |
| Median particle size d50 (spray-dried) | μm | 30–80 | Laser diffraction (ISO 13320) |
| Median particle size d50 (milled) | μm | 0.3–0.6 | Laser diffraction |
| BET specific surface area | m²/g | 7–15 | N₂ adsorption (ISO 9277) |
| Tetragonal phase content | % | ≥98 | XRD (Rietveld refinement) |
| Sintered density (1450°C / 2h) | g/cm³ | ≥6.05 | Archimedes method |
| Flexural strength (sintered) | MPa | ≥1000 | 3-point bend (ISO 6872) |
| Fracture toughness | MPa·m^0.5 | 8–12 | SEVNB / IF method |
| Vickers hardness | HV10 | 1200–1350 | ISO 6507 |
Application Suggestions
Dental Prosthetics — CAD/CAM Zirconia Crowns and Bridges
3Y-TZP is the dominant material for dental zirconia restorations. The powder is CIP-pressed into pre-sintered blanks (density 2.9–3.1 g/cm³), machined on CAD/CAM milling systems (Sirona, Roland, Zirkonzahn), and then sintered at 1450–1530°C to reach final density ≥6.05 g/cm³. The combination of flexural strength ≥1000 MPa, fracture toughness ≥8 MPa·m^0.5, and biocompatibility (ISO 10993) makes 3Y-TZP the material of choice for posterior crowns, multi-unit bridges up to 16 units, and implant abutments. SEMITECH 3Y-TZP meets the chemical purity requirements of ISO 13356 (implant-grade zirconia).
Structural Ceramics for Semiconductor Equipment
In semiconductor fabrication, 3Y-TZP components serve as plasma-resistant chamber liners, wafer handling arms, and alignment fixtures where alumina lacks the required fracture toughness for thin-wall geometries. The thermal shock resistance (ΔTc ≈ 300°C) and chemical inertness to HF, HCl, and fluorine-based plasma chemistries make 3Y-TZP the preferred alternative to alumina in critical-dimension applications.
Optical Fiber Ceramic Ferrules
Zirconia ceramic ferrules are the industry standard for single-mode fiber optic connectors (SC, LC, FC types). The ferrule bore must maintain concentricity ≤0.5 μm after sintering to ensure low insertion loss (<0.2 dB). 3Y-TZP's fine grain size (<0.5 μm) and isotropic shrinkage behavior during sintering enable the dimensional precision required. SEMITECH's milled-grade 3Y-TZP (d50 0.3–0.6 μm) is specifically optimized for ferrule injection molding.
Precision Valve and Pump Components
In chemical processing and oil/gas applications, 3Y-TZP ball valves, seats, and plungers provide superior wear resistance and corrosion immunity compared to hardened steel or tungsten carbide. The material is inert to strong acids (except HF), alkalis, and organic solvents, with wear rate orders of magnitude lower than metallic alternatives in abrasive slurry service.
Technical Support & FAQ: 3Y-TZP Zirconia Powder
+Q1: How does SEMITECH 3Y-TZP compare to Tosoh TZ-3YS-E?
SEMITECH 3Y-TZP matches Tosoh TZ-3YS-E on all critical specification parameters: Y₂O₃ content (5.15 ± 0.20 wt%), Al₂O₃ sintering aid (0.25 ± 0.10 wt%), d50 (0.3–0.6 μm milled), BET (7–15 m²/g), and sintered density (≥6.05 g/cm³). Independent XRD phase quantification confirms ≥98% tetragonal phase in sintered bodies. Side-by-side sintering trials show equivalent densification curves within ±10°C. Full CoA data package is provided for customer qualification programs.
+Q2: What sintering profile is recommended?
Standard sintering profile: ramp at 2–5°C/min to 1450°C, hold 2 hours, cool at 2–5°C/min. For dental blanks, some labs use 1530°C / 2h for faster turnaround in speed-sintering furnaces. The 0.25 wt% Al₂O₃ addition reduces the required sintering temperature by approximately 100°C compared to alumina-free 3Y-TZP, while inhibiting grain growth to maintain transformation toughening capability.
+Q3: Is this grade suitable for low-temperature degradation (LTD)-sensitive applications?
3Y-TZP is susceptible to low-temperature degradation (hydrothermal aging) in humid environments at 100–400°C, where surface tetragonal grains spontaneously transform to monoclinic, causing surface roughening and strength loss. For applications requiring LTD resistance (e.g., orthopedic implants, steam-sterilized dental components), SEMITECH offers a Ce-co-stabilized variant and an alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) grade. Contact info@semitechnm.com for LTD-resistant options.
+Q4: What are pricing and lead times?
Stock items ship within 7–14 business days ex-works China. Pricing is typically 30–50% below Tosoh TZ-3Y distributor list, depending on volume. MOQ: 25 kg (spray-dried or milled). FCL pricing (20 MT) available on request. Payment terms: T/T, L/C, D/P. Free 1 kg evaluation samples with full analytical data package.
Packing & Storage Information
Standard Packing 25 kg multi-wall kraft paper bags with PE inner liner, palletized. Net weight per bag: 25.0 ± 0.1 kg.
Bulk Packing 500 kg flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) for high-volume users. Reduces per-unit packing cost.
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse. Avoid contact with moisture — zirconia powder is hygroscopic and will agglomerate if exposed to humidity >60% RH for extended periods. Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging under recommended conditions.