Conventional alumina is very hard but relatively brittle. ZTA modifies the alumina matrix with zirconia so that crack propagation is more difficult, improving fracture resistance while retaining a hard ceramic surface. The degree of improvement depends on composition, microstructure and test method; a generic multiplier should not replace the selected grade's technical data sheet or a representative impact trial.
05Wear-resistant ceramics
IC IMPACTZTA high-impact ceramic composites
Zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) wear blocks and shaped elements for locations where sliding abrasion is combined with repeated impact. ZTA is considered when greater fracture resistance is needed than a conventional alumina grade can provide, subject to a review of impact energy, support and attachment.
- Chute impact zones and deflector plates
- Crusher liners and hammer tips
- Hopper bottoms and dump pockets
Engineering overview
Zirconia-toughened alumina: when standard ceramic is not enough
Understand the wear mechanism, configuration and operating limits before selecting a lining system.
Use ZTA selectively where the wear map shows repeated impact superimposed on abrasion: the first contact zone of a transfer chute, a deflector, a crusher discharge or a cyclone component. Surrounding low-impact surfaces may be better served by conventional alumina, rubber-ceramic composite or steel. A selection review should document drop height, maximum lump mass, trajectory, impact frequency, temperature, backing stiffness and the consequences of fragment release before the liner is detailed.
Selection01 02 03
Choose the configuration from the service conditions
A defensible selection starts with the actual wear mechanism, geometry and installation constraints — not a generic product label.
Wear mechanism and conveyed material
Quantify maximum lump size and mass, drop height, trajectory, impact angle and frequency, then separate the first-contact zone from downstream sliding wear. ZTA should be targeted where added fracture resistance addresses a documented mixed mechanism.
Geometry and service conditions
Review support stiffness, backing, block dimensions, gaps and edge exposure. A tough ceramic still requires continuous support and a geometry that avoids concentrated bending or unsupported corners.
Attachment, access and maintenance
Determine whether blocks are bonded, mechanically retained or embedded in a metal or elastomer system. Access, orientation and consequences of fragment release govern the required redundancy and inspection plan.
What the range is designed to provide
- Improved fracture resistance compared with conventional alumina
- Combines an abrasive wear surface with increased fracture resistance
- Suited to selected mixed impact-and-abrasion zones
- Available as blocks and embedded wear blocks
Validate before specification
- Do not assume ZTA makes every severe-impact location suitable for ceramic; verify representative impact energy, backing and failure consequence.
- Confirm composition, fracture-toughness test method and hardness for the exact supplied grade; family descriptions are not acceptance criteria.
- Review surrounding liners and transitions so the tougher element does not shift wear to exposed edges, joints or a weaker downstream material.
Applications
Applications and available configurations
Chute impact zones and deflector plates
Crusher liners and hammer tips
Hopper bottoms and dump pockets
Relevant industries
Mining
Chutes and transfer points · Hoppers, bins and silos
ApplicationsCement & Aggregates
Mill separators and diaphragms · Kiln and cooler ducts
ApplicationsSteel & Metallurgy
Slag chutes and launders · Charging and discharge hoppers
ApplicationsPorts & Bulk Handling
Ship-loader and unloader chutes · Grab bucket lips and shells
ApplicationsSpecifications
Technical data and range limits
Range-level values are indicative. Confirm the exact grade, test method, selected configuration and current technical data sheet before specification or purchase.
| Material | ZTA (Al₂O₃ + ZrO₂) |
|---|---|
| Composition | Alumina-zirconia formulation — confirm selected grade |
| Fracture toughness | Grade and test-method dependent — verify on the TDS |
| Hardness | Grade and test-method dependent — verify on the TDS |
Implementation
From field survey to quality control
Treat material choice, geometry, attachment and inspection as one engineered system.
- 01
Diagnose and measure
Build a wear and impact map from site observations, material data and failure evidence. Measure the support and document cracks, deformation, loose fasteners and the exact first-contact trajectory.
- 02
Engineer and approve
Select only the zones needing ZTA and detail block shape, support, attachment, joints and transitions. Approve material grade and inspection criteria together with a numbered layout.
- 03
Install and inspect
Repair and prepare the backing, install with continuous support and verified retention, then inspect edges, joints and adjacent liners. Establish a first inspection interval from the risk and service severity.
Useful technical resources
How to select a ceramic wear lining
A practical decision path for alumina tiles, rubber-ceramic panels, ZTA and ceramic-lined pipe.
Read the guideCeramic vs AR steel: which lasts longer?
Alumina ceramic and AR steel solve wear differently. Here is when to choose each — and when to combine them.
Read the guideFAQ
Questions engineers ask before selecting this range
When should IC IMPACT be considered?
IC IMPACT is considered for selected zones where repeated impact is superimposed on abrasive sliding and conventional alumina shows fracture-related limitations. It should be applied from a wear map, not used as a blanket replacement without checking impact energy and support.
What information is required to specify IC IMPACT?
Provide material density, maximum lump dimensions and mass, drop height, trajectory, impact frequency, temperature, photographs, drawings, substrate details and the failure history of the current liner.
What must be confirmed before ordering IC IMPACT?
Confirm exact ZTA grade, test methods, block dimensions and tolerances, attachment or matrix, backing condition, joint and edge details, inspection criteria and consequences of damage or fragment release.
Application solutions
Related application solutions
Explore equipment- and mechanism-led guidance where this product range may form part of the engineered lining system.
01
Chutes and hoppers
Map sliding abrasion, first impact, turbulence and exposed edges before choosing tile geometry, resilient zones and attachment.
Explore solution03Cyclones and hydrocyclones
Protect inlet, barrel, cone, vortex finder and apex without losing the internal geometry that governs separation and flow.
Explore solution04Impact transfer points
Separate direct impact, rebound, sliding abrasion and vibration so rigid, resilient and ZTA zones are used only where justified.
Explore solution05Pneumatic conveying and ducts
Trace particle-laden flow through bends, transitions, fan housings and ducts while keeping pressure, temperature, balance and access constraints explicit.
Explore solution06Installation and fixing
Treat substrate preparation, adhesive, mechanical retention, joints, curing and inspection as one controlled installation system.
Explore solutionComplementary products
Products are shown separately from industries and only where they play a complementary technical role.
Request an application review
Review my application for IC IMPACT
Send the information below so Induscoat can review the wear mechanism and prepare a technically relevant response.
- Handled material and particle-size range
- Operating conditions and observed failure mode
- Photographs and a dimensioned drawing