Research and development of the technology for producing fused zirconia

Analysis of the current state of production of various types of fused zirconia (monoclinic and stabilized) was conducted. A practical possibility of obtaining stabilized zirconia from baddeleyite concentrate in experimental electric-arc furnace (EDP-600) was established. The obtained process and electrical parameters of smelting are recommended for use when producing fused zirconia from synthetic zirconia and baddeleyite concentrate using commercial electric-arc furnaces (DSP‑1.5, OKB-2126, etc). During carbothermic reduction of zircon concentrate in an electric-arc furnace (EDP-450), silica content in the fused product was decreased by 3 times to 10.9% SiO₂. To implement the final stage of the carbothermic technology for obtaining fused zirconia containing at least 95% ZrO₂, it is recommended to develop a pilot electric-arc system based on DS-05 electric-arc furnace.