Zirconia is obtained using chemical processes or through Zirconium Silicate and Baddeleyite electrofusion. The quality of the granulate considerably influences porosity and possible defects in the sintered product:
- the size of the grains has an effect on performance of the material (nanometric dimensions of the crystals guarantee high mechanical resistance and high resistance to chemical agents)
- distribution of the grains, on the other hand, may influence hydrothermal stability of the sintered material.
- distribution of the additives influences the porosity and therefore translucence of the material.
Medical applications need high-quality Zirconia purified with a controlled production process. The method used is hydrolysis of Zirconium sand, following purification with chlorhydric acid and subsequent calcination. CO.N.CE.P.T. uses Japanese powders produced with this method