Precision Ceramics: The Logic of Pricing

Precision ceramics, though seemingly esoteric in materials science, are close to daily life—including gold-like high-end materials and affordable daily items. What are their most expensive and cheapest types? And what scientific logic explains the price gap?

Most Expensive: Silicon Nitride & Special Zirconia

At precision ceramics’ "pinnacle," silicon nitride and special zirconia are "luxury materials." Silicon nitride needs ≥99.9% pure raw materials, prepared at over 1500°C in a specific atmosphere. Nanoscale post-processing drives costs exponentially high—used in aerospace engine blades/high-end bearings, it costs up to tens of thousands of yuan/kg.

Special zirconia (transformation-toughened) is irreplaceable for artificial joints/dental implants. Medical-grade versions need strict biocompatibility checks—any tiny flaw scraps the batch. This "zero tolerance" keeps prices at 1,000–10,000 yuan/kg.

Most Economical: Ordinary Alumina

Ordinary alumina, the "civilian hero," comes from abundant bauxite, sintered at ~1600°C with mature processes. Less tough/thermally stable than high-end types, it works reliably for basic needs (corrosion resistance, insulation)—used in spark plugs, textile ceramic parts, valve seals. Priced at tens of yuan/kg, it’s "good quality at low cost."

Why the Price Gap?

Purity: From 95% (industrial-grade) to 99.99% (electronic-grade), each purity order of magnitude boosts costs tenfold.

Process complexity: Atmospheric sintering vs. hot isostatic pressing differs in cost by 100x.

Post-processing: Ordinary cutting vs. micron-level precision processing has vastly different energy/time costs.

Notably, tech advances make some once "noble ceramics" accessible. For example, 5G-driven aluminum nitride substrates have dropped from astronomical prices to affordable levels—this dynamism is material innovation’s charm.

Precision ceramics’ price spectrum proves: A material’s value lies in solving specific problems. From spacecraft support to daily electricity safety, all tiers play irreplaceable roles. This is materials science’s most fascinating dialectic—look up at the stars, yet keep feet on the ground.