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Zirconium Silicate, Glaze Grade Zirconium Silicate, Frit Grade Zirconium Silicate, 10101-52-7

Zirconium Silicate, Glaze Grade Zirconium Silicate, Frit Grade Zirconium Silicate, 10101-52-7

ZIRCONIUM SILICATE (ZrSiO₄)

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Description
Product Name Zirconium Silicate
Chemical Formula ZrSiO₄
Molecular Weight 183.31 g/mol
Appearance Fine white mineral powder
Hardness (Mohs) 7.5
Density ~4.6 – 4.7 g/cm³
Melting Point ~2,550 °C (decomposes)
Property Chemically stable and inert at very high temperatures
CAS Number 10101-52-7
EC Number 233-252-7

CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION:

Zirconium Silicate (ZrSiO₄) is a naturally occurring zircon mineral and a chemically stable ceramic raw material at high temperatures. It is insoluble in water, dilute acids, and hot concentrated sulfuric acid. It is used as an opacifier (whitening agent) in ceramic glazes. It increases physical resistance, lowers thermal expansion coefficient, and raises melting temperature. It is a more economical opacifier compared to tin oxide.

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value
Appearance Fine white mineral powder
Hardness (Mohs) 7.5
Density ~4.6 – 4.7 g/cm³
Molecular Weight 183.31 g/mol
Melting Point ~2,550 °C (decomposes)
Refractive Index 1.92 – 2.01
Solubility in Water Insoluble
Solubility in Acids Insoluble (except HF)
Particle Size 45 µm (glaze grade), 75 µm (frit grade)

3. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (TYPICAL)

Component Formula Typical Ratio (%)
Zirconium Oxide ZrO₂ ~65.9
Silicon Dioxide SiO₂ ~32.0
Iron Oxide Fe₂O₃ < 0.05
Titanium Dioxide TiO₂ < 0.05
Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃ < 0.1
Calcium Oxide CaO < 0.05
Radioactivity (U, Th) < 100 ppm

4. COMMERCIAL PRODUCT GRADES

Product Grade Particle Size Application
Glaze Grade Zirconium Silicate 45 µm Opacifier in glaze formulations
Frit Grade Zirconium Silicate 75 µm Raw material in frit production

Note: Whiteness increases as particle size decreases.

5. TECHNICAL PROPERTIES

Property Description
Opacifier (Whitening Agent) Provides opacity in glaze formulations
Physical Resistance Increases mechanical strength in glazes and ceramic bodies
Thermal Expansion Lowers glaze thermal expansion coefficient
Melting Temperature Raises melting temperature of glazes and bodies
Chemical Stability Chemically stable at high temperatures
Economic Advantage More economical opacifier compared to tin oxide (SnO₂)
Opacification Efficiency High; better opacification compared to TiO₂ or SnO₂

6. APPLICATIONS

Sector Application
Ceramic Glazes Opacifier and whitening agent in glaze formulations
Ceramic Frit Raw material in frit production
Wall Tiles White wall tile glazes
Plastics Filler and whitening agent
Paper Paper coatings
Food Whitening agent in food packaging
Refractories High-temperature refractory materials
Porcelain Porcelain manufacturing

Annual Consumption in Ceramic Sector: 60,000 – 70,000 tons

7. OPACIFIER COMPARISON

Property Zirconium Silicate (ZrSiO₄) Tin Oxide (SnO₂) Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)
Cost Medium/Low High Medium
Opacification Efficiency High High Medium/High
Color Effect Neutral Neutral Slightly yellowish
Thermal Stability High High Medium
Usage Widespread Limited Limited

8. SUPPLY AND RESERVE STATUS

Parameter Information
Raw Material Source Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
Transport Shipped by sea to various countries
Status in Turkey No zircon sand deposits; entirely imported
Processing Method Micronized by dry ball milling to commercial products
Grinding Glaze grade: 45 µm, Frit grade: 75 µm

9. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Dry, enclosed area; protect from moisture
Storage Temperature Room temperature
Keep Away From Moisture, hydrofluoric acid (HF)
Shelf Life Unlimited (under proper storage)
Packaging 25 kg Kraft bags, 1000 kg Big Bags
Handling Notes Avoid dust formation; avoid eye and respiratory contact

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Dust mask (P2 or N95)

  • Safety goggles

  • Protective gloves

  • Protective clothing

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

Parameter Value
GHS Classification Not classified (not hazardous)
Toxicity Low
Dust Inhalation Dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation
Skin Contact May cause mild irritation
Eye Contact May cause mild irritation
Carcinogenicity Not classified
Ecotoxicity Low
Special Risk Zirconium compounds have low toxicity; may contain trace radioactivity (U/Th)

SPECIAL WARNINGS:

  • Zirconium silicate dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation

  • Appropriate dust control measures should be taken

  • Avoid contact with hydrofluoric acid (HF)

  • Radioactivity content (U, Th) is limited (< 100 ppm)

11. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Ecotoxicity Low
Bioaccumulation Not expected
Environmental Impact Low
Waste Management Disposal according to local regulations
Recycling Possible (used zirconium coatings can be recovered)

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not classified as dangerous for transport
Hazard Class Not classified
Packing Group Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name Zirconium Silicate
Marine Pollutant No
ADR/RID Label None

13. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Zirconium Silicate (ZrSiO₄) is a chemically stable ceramic raw material derived from natural zircon mineral. It has a density of ~4.6-4.7 g/cm³, Mohs hardness of 7.5, and melting point of ~2,550 °C. It is insoluble in water and acids. It is used as an opacifier and whitening agent in ceramic glazes. It is more economical than tin oxide.

Key Properties:

Property Value
Formula ZrSiO₄
CAS No 10101-52-7
Molecular Weight 183.31 g/mol
Hardness (Mohs) 7.5
Density ~4.6 – 4.7 g/cm³
Melting Point ~2,550 °C
ZrO₂ ~65.9%
Packaging 25 kg Kraft bags, 1000 kg Big Bags

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  1. Opacifier (Whitening Agent): The most important raw material providing opacity in glaze formulations. More economical and widely used compared to tin oxide (SnO₂).

  2. Particle Size: Glaze grade is 45 µm, frit grade is 75 µm. Whiteness increases as particle size decreases.

  3. Melting Temperature: Raises melting temperature of glazes and bodies. This property must be considered in recipe formulations.

  4. Status in Turkey: No zircon sand deposits; entirely imported. Raw material is sourced from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

  5. Chemical Resistance: Resistant to all acids except hydrofluoric acid (HF). Avoid contact with HF.

  6. Radioactivity: Zirconium silicate may contain trace amounts of uranium (U) and thorium (Th). Radioactivity is limited in commercial products.

  7. Dust Control: Zirconium silicate dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. Appropriate dust control measures should be taken.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Zirconium Silicate. Testing prior to use in glaze recipes is recommended.

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