Spotlighting High-Performance Materials – from Alumina to Zirconia
High-performance materials run the gamut in terms of their composition and properties, but the cutting-edge is occupied by precision-made oxide and non-oxide ceramics. Through decades of innovation, the Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories team has curated a range of market-leading products based on tried-and-trusted chemistries and the latest processing techniques.
This article puts the spotlight on the high-performance materials that we supply to various market segments.
Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3)

Boron Carbide (B4C)
Boron carbide (B4C) is the third hardest high-performance ceramic on earth, exceeded only by cubic boron nitride (cBN) and diamond. B4C ceramics are produced by hot pressing which yields an extremely high-performance boron carbide ceramic with nominal densities of 2.50 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3) and a Knoop hardness value of 2,800 kilograms per millimeter squared (kg/mm2).
Chromium Oxide (Cr2O3)

Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Silicon carbide (SiC) is an extremely versatile non-oxide ceramic that performs on multiple fronts for supreme performance in a broad range of application environments. It offers outstanding thermal shock resistance and high-temperature strength as well as intrinsically good mechanical properties for manufacturers in a broad range of markets, from electronics and semiconductors to industrial heating applications.
Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)

Zirconia (ZrO2)
Zirconia (ZrO2) is a standout high performance ceramic owing to its unmatched fracture toughness coupled with excellent thermal properties. It is a relatively expensive solution in high-purity formats.
Looking for High-Performance Materials?
Refer to our high-performance materials for a full breakdown of the material classes and products that we offer. Or contact a member of the Saint-Gobain team today with any questions.
Related Content
Materials
High-Performance materials advanced ceramics and refractories are at the forefront of modern engineering, offering unprecedented performance characteristics to meet and exceed strict parameters for success.
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Silicon carbide ceramics for a range of industries, including electronics.
Alumina (Al2O3)
Suppliers of aluminum oxide (alumina) ceramics which is the most popular fine ceramic.
Chromium Oxide (Cr2O3)
Saint-Gobain is a supplier of Chromium Oxide ceramics, often used as a refractory material.
Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)
Suppliers of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) ceramics for a range of industries including automotive parts.