Properties of Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2)
· High thermal expansion (α=11 x 10-6/K, similar to some types of steel)
· Excellent thermal insulation/low thermal conductivity (2.5 to 3 W/mK)
· Very high resistance to crack propagation, high fracture toughness (6.5 to 8 MPam1/2)
· Ability to conduct oxygen ions (used for the measurement of oxygen partial pressures in lambda probes)