1. Product Overview
OVERVIEW
1.1 Zirconium Silicate (ZrSiO₄) is one of the most effective opacifiers in the ceramic industry. Through high-temperature calcination and fine grinding, it offers high whiteness, strong opacifying power, and excellent chemical stability.
1.2 Widely used in ceramic bodies, glazes, tiles and sanitaryware, it significantly improves glaze whiteness and hiding power, enhancing product appearance quality.
1.3 Goway offers four standard grades — C6099, C6064, C6060 and C6050S — with whiteness ranging from 85 to 97, suitable for different quality and cost requirements.
2%–10%
Recommended Dosage (Glaze/Body)
≥97
Max Whiteness (C6099)
4
Available Grades
40 kg
Standard Packaging / Bag
≤0.01%
Min Fe₂O₃ (C6099)
2. Technical Principles
MECHANISM
2.1 Opacification Mechanism
The opacifying effect of zirconium silicate primarily derives from the refractive index difference between the zirconium silicate and the glaze matrix. Zirconium silicate has a refractive index of approximately 1.93–2.01, significantly higher than that of ordinary glaze matrices (approx. 1.50–1.55). When light passes through the glaze layer, it is scattered and reflected on the surface of zirconium silicate particles, producing the opacifying and whitening effect.
2.2 Key Factors Affecting Opacifying Efficiency
- Particle Size Distribution: The optimal particle size range for maximum opacification is 1–5μm. Finer particles increase translucency, while coarser particles reduce hiding power.
- Crystal Structure: The stable monoclinic crystal structure provides sustained light scattering capability.
- Dispersion State: Uniform dispersion of particles in the glaze is a prerequisite for effective opacification.
- Firing Temperature: Zirconium silicate exhibits optimal stability at 1100–1250°C; excessively high temperatures may cause partial dissolution.
2.3 Comparison with Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)
- Zirconium Silicate: Provides lasting opacification, good high-temperature stability, does not react with glaze components, and maintains stable whiteness after firing.
- Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂): Offers higher whiteness, but is prone to reaction with other glaze components at high temperatures, potentially causing yellowing or reduced opacifying effect.
※ In high-grade white glaze formulations, zirconium silicate is typically used as the primary opacifier, with titanium dioxide only as an auxiliary or toner.
3. Core Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
Typical specifications of Goway's four zirconium silicate grades. Grades are sorted by whiteness (high to low).
| Code |
Whiteness |
Zr(Hf)O₂ (%) |
SiO₂ (%) |
Fe₂O₃ (%) |
Al₂O₃ (%) |
TiO₂ (%) |
L.O.I (%) |
| C6099 |
≥97 |
18–20 |
<0.05 |
≤0.01 |
80–82 |
<0.01 |
≤0.1 |
| C6064 |
90.5 |
63.5–64.5 |
33.13 |
0.13 |
1.44 |
0.16 |
1.01 |
| C6060 |
86.1 |
59.5–60.5 |
34.04 |
0.22 |
3.33 |
0.63 |
1.46 |
| C6050S |
85 |
50–51 |
33.59 |
0.27 |
11.4 |
1.84 |
1.3 |
📦 Packaging: 40 kg / woven bag
🎯 Recommended Dosage: 2% – 10% (dry basis)
🧪 Appearance: White / light grey powder
📋 Grade Levels: Super White · High White · Standard · Economy
4. Core Functions
FUNCTIONS
4.1 Powerful Opacification & Whitening — Significantly improves glaze hiding power and fired whiteness; the most effective opacifier for tiles and sanitaryware.
4.2 Chemical Resistance — Enhances acid and alkali resistance of glaze surfaces, improving durability in kitchens, bathrooms and humid environments.
4.3 High-Temperature Stability — Stable at 1100–1250°C without decomposition or volatilization, ensuring consistent glaze quality.
4.4 Thermal Expansion Matching — Thermal expansion coefficient well matched with ceramic bodies, effectively reducing crazing and shivering defects.
4.5 Controllable Particle Size — Available in multiple particle grades from transparent to high-opacity glazes, compatible with all glazing processes.
4.6 Low Impurity Content — Strictly controlled Fe₂O₃, TiO₂ and other color-causing oxides, delivering pure glaze tone without yellow or grey tint.
5. Application Scenarios
APPLICATIONS
5.1 Ceramic Body
Added to body formulations to improve whiteness and fired strength. Suitable for premium whiteware, daily-use ceramics and specialty ceramics.
5.2 Ceramic Glaze
The core opacifier in glaze formulations, significantly improving glaze whiteness and hiding power. Suitable for various tile and sanitaryware glazes.
5.3 Ceramic Tiles
Widely used in full-polished tiles, rustic tiles, porcelain tiles and other tile products to enhance glaze texture and decorative effect.
5.4 Sanitaryware
Applicable to glaze formulations for toilets, washbasins, bathtubs and other sanitaryware products, providing high whiteness and excellent stain resistance.
6. Selection Guide
SELECTION
Choose the most suitable zirconium silicate grade based on product positioning and cost budget:
🔹 C6099 Super White
Whiteness ≥97, Zr(Hf)O₂ 18–20%, Fe₂O₃ ≤0.01%. High-purity zirconium silicate opacifier for premium sanitaryware, ultra-white polished tiles and high-gloss glazes.
🔹 C6064 High White
Whiteness 90.5, Zr(Hf)O₂ 63.5–64.5%. Excellent overall performance, widely used in various tile and sanitaryware glazes with high cost-effectiveness.
🔹 C6060 Standard
Whiteness 86.1, Zr(Hf)O₂ 59.5–60.5%. Standard industrial grade for conventional tile glazes and engobes with controlled cost.
🔹 C6050S Economy
Whiteness 85, Zr(Hf)O₂ 50–51%. Suitable for body and base glaze formulations with moderate whiteness requirements and cost priority.
💡 Selection Tips: For ultra-white products (e.g., premium sanitaryware, white tiles) → prioritize C6099 or C6064; standard mass production → C6060; cost-sensitive applications → C6050S.
7. Synergy with Other Raw Materials
SYNERGY
7.1 Zirconium Silicate + Kaolin
Kaolin provides glaze suspension and thixotropy, while zirconium silicate provides opacification. Together they optimize glaze storage stability and application performance.
7.2 Zirconium Silicate + Frit
Frit provides the glaze matrix; zirconium silicate disperses within the glass phase formed by the frit, jointly determining the final glaze whiteness and gloss.
7.3 Zirconium Silicate + Deflocculant (FG-2017)
Goway FG-2017 deflocculant effectively disperses zirconium silicate particles, improving glaze flowability and preventing particle agglomeration and sedimentation.
7.4 Zirconium Silicate + Suspending Agent
When used with Goway suspending agents, it extends glaze storage life and ensures uniform distribution of zirconium silicate particles during the glazing process.
8. Product Advantages
ADVANTAGES
Super White C6099 with whiteness ≥97, leading opacifying efficiency
Ultra-low Fe₂O₃ & TiO₂ for pure glaze tone
Strict Zr(Hf)O₂ control for long-term formula stability
Multiple grades covering different formulation and cost needs
Customizable particle size for spray, curtain & dipping glazing
Compatible with Goway dispersants & suspending agents
High batch-to-batch consistency for stable production
Free technical support for formulation optimization & troubleshooting
9. Quality Control
QUALITY
9.1 Outgoing Inspection Items
- Whiteness Testing — Fired glaze whiteness, benchmarked per batch
- Chemical Composition — XRF fluorescence analysis, full inspection of main components and impurities
- Particle Size Distribution — Laser diffraction analysis ensuring batch consistency
- Loss on Ignition — High-temperature gravimetric analysis controlling volatile content
- Whiteness Stability — Batch sampling, whiteness fluctuation controlled within ±0.5
9.2 Available Reports
COA (Certificate of Analysis) provided with each batch. TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) available upon request.
10. Storage & Safety
SAFETY
10.1 Storage Conditions
- Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated warehouse
- Protect from moisture, rain and packaging damage
- Recommended storage temperature: 5°C – 40°C
- Shelf life: 24 months from date of manufacture (unopened)
10.2 Safety Precautions
- Zirconium silicate is an inert mineral material and is not classified as a hazardous chemical
- Dust mask and gloves recommended during handling to avoid dust inhalation
- In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention
11. Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Why does C6099 have only 18–20% Zr(Hf)O₂ content but the highest whiteness?
C6099 is a high-purity zirconium silicate opacifier. Its opacifying effect does not rely on high Zr(Hf)O₂ content, but rather achieves efficient light scattering through special crystal structure and particle size distribution, delivering whiteness of 97 or above.
How to choose between C6064 and C6060?
C6064 offers higher whiteness (90.5 vs 86.1) and higher Zr(Hf)O₂ content, suitable for products with higher demands on glaze whiteness and opacification. C6060 is the standard grade with better cost-performance for most conventional production.
What problems may occur with excessive zirconium silicate addition in glazes?
Excessive dosage may lead to dry glaze surface, reduced flowability, and even decreased gloss. Recommended dosage is 2%–8%, with exact levels determined through trials.
Is zirconium silicate compatible with other Goway additives?
Yes. Zirconium silicate is well compatible with Goway deflocculants, suspending agents, binders and other products, and can be used synergistically to optimize overall glaze performance.
Can free samples be provided for laboratory testing?
Yes. Goway provides free samples for laboratory formulation testing. Please contact our sales team with your formulation requirements and test objectives, and we will arrange shipment.
12. Technical Resources & Support
SUPPORT
12.1 For detailed Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or COA reports, please contact the Goway technical team.
12.2 Goway provides free formulation optimization advice and on-site technical support.
12.3 Contact: https://en.goway-china.com/Contact.html
Request Zirconium Silicate Samples & Technical Support
Goway technical team can recommend the most suitable zirconium silicate grade and dosage based on your glaze formulation and whiteness target, and provide free samples and technical support.
📩 Contact Goway Sales / Technical Team
ISO9001 Certified · Reliable Ceramic Additive Supplier · Annual Capacity 30,000 MT
* Recommended dosages are typical reference ranges; final formulation requires laboratory verification.
