Zirconium Silicate
Product Model:
C6099、C6050S、C6060、C6064
Keyword:
Zirconium Silicate
PRODUCT DETAILS
Goway Zirconium Silicate (Zircon Flour): Premium Opacifier for Ceramic Glazes & Bodies
Four specialist grades — C6099, C6050S, C6060 & C6064 — covering ultra-high whiteness specialty applications to cost-effective standard-grade opacification. Whiteness 85–97° (1200°C) | Zr(Hf)O₂ 18–64.5% | Fe₂O₃ ≤0.01–0.27% | Tile Glaze · Sanitaryware · Porcelain · Frit · Body.
Core Technical Specifications
Product Line Clarification: C6064, C6060 and C6050S are conventional zirconium silicate grades with different Zr(Hf)O₂ levels. C6099 is a specialty alumina-rich high-whiteness opacifier grade within Goway's ceramic opacifier portfolio, designed for applications where fired whiteness is the primary requirement.
Table 1 — Chemical Composition Comparison. All values from Goway Technical Data Sheets.
| Parameter | C6099 | C6050S | C6060 | C6064 ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteness (1200°C) | ≥97° | 85° | 86.1° | 90.5° |
| Zr(Hf)O₂ | 18–20% | 50–51% | 59.5–60.5% | 63.5–64.5% |
| SiO₂ | <0.05% | 33.59% | 34.04% | 33.13% |
| Al₂O₃ | 80–82% | 11.4% | 3.33% | 1.44% |
| Fe₂O₃ | ≤0.01% | 0.27% | 0.22% | 0.13% |
| TiO₂ | <0.01% | 1.84% | 0.63% | 0.16% |
| L.O.I | ≤0.1% | 1.3% | 1.46% | 1.01% |
| Grade Positioning | Ultra-High Whiteness Specialty | Standard Cost-Effective | High Opacity Fine | High Whiteness Premium |
| Primary Application | Specialty / Electronic Ceramics | Floor Tile Body & Standard Glaze | High-Performance Glaze | Ultra-White Tile Glaze & Sanitaryware |
Whiteness values measured at 1200°C per Goway internal test method. Zr(Hf)O₂ is the combined zirconium and hafnium dioxide content. Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ are the primary chromogenic impurities affecting final whiteness. Data verified by Goway Product Team (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet).
Fe₂O₃ Content — The Whiteness Driver
Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) is the primary chromogenic impurity in zirconium silicate. Each 0.10% increment of Fe₂O₃ can measurably shift the fired glaze toward cream or yellow tones. C6064 achieves 0.13% Fe₂O₃ — less than half of C6050S — enabling significantly higher whiteness in ultra-white glaze formulations. C6099 sets the absolute benchmark at ≤0.01%.
Zr(Hf)O₂ — The Opacity Driver
Zirconium silicate achieves its opacifying effect through refractive index differential (RI ≈ 2.0 vs. glass ≈ 1.5). Higher Zr(Hf)O₂ content directly improves particle packing density and opacity efficiency. C6064 (63.5–64.5%) provides the best opacity-to-loading ratio among ceramic-grade products, allowing lower addition rates while maintaining equivalent coverage.
TiO₂ Content — Secondary Discoloration
Titanium dioxide contributes a subtle yellow bias at high temperatures. C6064 restricts TiO₂ to 0.16%, compared to 1.84% in C6050S. In ultra-white applications where L* value targets exceed 93°, even trace TiO₂ requires compensation through glaze chemistry adjustments.
Al₂O₃ Content — Matrix Indicator
Al₂O₃ appears as an impurity in lower-grade products (C6050S: 11.4%) and is substantially absent in high-purity grades (C6064: 1.44%). Elevated Al₂O₃ can affect melt viscosity and glaze surface texture at high temperature. Premium glazes targeting smooth mirror-like finishes typically require Al₂O₃ below 2%.
Particle Size & Application Matching
Particle size (D50) is the primary determinant of glaze surface finish — finer grades produce smoother, more matte surfaces with higher opacity efficiency; coarser grades support glossier finishes at higher addition rates. Request lot-specific particle size distribution data from Goway for production formulation.
| Grade | Typical D50 Range | Mesh Equivalent | Surface Finish | Primary Application Fit | Opacity Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C6099 | Fine — D50 <2 µm | >600 mesh | Matte to Semi-Matte | Specialty / Electronic Ceramics, Ultra-Premium Glazes | Very High |
| C6064 ★ | Fine — D50 2–4 µm | ~400–600 mesh | Semi-Gloss to Bright | Ultra-White Tile Glaze, Sanitaryware, Porcelain | Very High |
| C6060 | Medium-Fine — D50 4–6 µm | ~300–400 mesh | Semi-Gloss | High-Performance Glaze, Wall Tile, Digital Print | High |
| C6050S | Medium — D50 6–10 µm | ~150–300 mesh | Gloss | Floor Tile Body, Economic Standard Glaze, Frit | Moderate |
D50 values are indicative ranges based on typical production lots. Actual particle size distribution varies by batch. C6064 and C6060 are pre-classified for fine-particle applications. For exact particle size curves, request from Goway technical team. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Application-Driven Selection Guide
Use this guide to identify the most appropriate grade based on your primary application, performance target, and cost constraint. Each scenario is mapped to a specific grade and formulation strategy.
Table 2 — Quick Selection Reference. All recommendations based on primary performance target.
| Application Need | Recommended Grade | Key Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum fired whiteness | C6099 | Whiteness ≥97° (1200°C), Fe₂O₃ ≤0.01%, Al₂O₃ 80–82% — specialty alumina-rich opacifier |
| Premium white glaze / sanitaryware | C6064 | Whiteness 90.5° (1200°C), Fe₂O₃ 0.13%, Zr(Hf)O₂ 63.5–64.5% — ceramic-grade benchmark |
| Balanced opacity and zircon content | C6060 | Whiteness 86.1° (1200°C), Fe₂O₃ 0.22%, Zr(Hf)O₂ 59.5–60.5% — mid-high tier performance |
| Cost-effective standard glaze / body use | C6050S | Whiteness 85° (1200°C), Fe₂O₃ 0.27%, Zr(Hf)O₂ 50–51% — volume-driven cost optimization |
Maximum Fired Whiteness (>93° L*)
Production targets maximum achievable whiteness where fired color purity is the primary quality metric. Applications include advanced sanitaryware, ultra-premium porcelain, and electronic ceramic substrates where even trace iron or titanium is formulation-critical.
Ultra-White Tile Glaze & Sanitaryware (>90° L*)
Production targets ultra-white or pure white polished tiles, porcelain, and sanitaryware. The glaze must achieve L* value above 92° with minimal yellowness. Fe₂O₃ must be ≤0.15%, Zr(Hf)O₂ above 63%, and TiO₂ strictly controlled.
High-Performance Glaze with Superior Opacity (88–91° L*)
Premium glaze formulations targeting consistent opacity, smooth surface, and high scratch resistance. Suspension stability in the glaze slip is critical. The grade must disperse well without excessive grinding and maintain stable rheology.
Cost-Sensitive Standard Glaze & Body Opacification
Budget-driven production of standard floor tiles, rustic tiles, or ceramic body formulations where absolute whiteness is secondary to cost per tonne. Requires consistent opacity at moderate addition levels with predictable performance.
Three-Step Selection Process
Define Target Whiteness
If L* target >95° → choose C6099. If L* target 90–95° → choose C6064. If L* target 88–92° → C6060. For cost-driven production → C6050S.
Assess Fe₂O₃ Tolerance
If L* target >95° → C6099 (≤0.01% Fe₂O₃). Ultra-white glazes 90–95° L* → C6064 (≤0.15% Fe₂O₃). Standard white 88–91° L* → C6060. Cost-driven → C6050S.
Confirm Zr(Hf)O₂ Suitability
Higher Zr(Hf)O₂ reduces effective addition rate. C6064 (63.5–64.5%) typically requires 3–5% addition vs. C6050S (50–51%) at 5–8% to achieve equivalent opacity. Adjust glaze melt chemistry accordingly.
Product Details
Product Positioning & Core Value
C6099 is a specialty alumina-rich high-whiteness ceramic opacifier grade in the Goway zirconium silicate portfolio. With fired whiteness ≥97° at 1200°C, Fe₂O₃ ≤0.01% and TiO₂ <0.01%, it is designed for premium ceramic systems where maximum whiteness and low iron contamination are more important than high zircon content. Its Al₂O₃-dominant matrix (80–82%) differentiates it from conventional zirconium silicate grades — C6099 prioritizes optical purity over Zr(Hf)O₂ loading, making it the preferred choice for advanced sanitaryware, electronic substrate coatings, and ultra-premium porcelain glazes where even trace chromatic impurities are formulation-critical.
This grade is not a general-purpose opacifier; its specialty positioning and cost structure make it unsuitable for standard tile or commodity glaze applications. Specification compliance and formulation matching must be confirmed with the Goway technical team before adoption.
Key Parameters (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Deep Dive: Why Fe₂O₃ ≤0.01% Matters
In ultra-white glaze systems targeting L* values above 95°, iron oxide is the single largest contributor to perceivable discoloration. The human eye can detect a color shift of ΔE* ≈ 0.5 at high whiteness levels. At Fe₂O₃ ≤0.01%, C6099 contributes negligibly to chromatic shift even at addition rates of 5–8%, eliminating the need for iron-sequestering flux adjustments or whitening agent compensation. This enables cleaner, simpler glaze recipes with lower defect rates in high-speed production lines.
Typical Applications
- Ultra-premium sanitaryware glaze (L* >94° target)
- Electronic ceramic substrate coatings
- Optical-quality porcelain and bone china glazes
- Specialty frit compositions requiring ultra-low impurity feed
- Advanced technical ceramics with strict Fe/Ti tolerance
Processing Notes & Formulation Guidelines
- Addition rate: Typically 3–8% by weight of dry glaze batch; adjust based on target opacity and Zr(Hf)O₂ equivalent calculation
- Grinding: Pre-dispersed in water before addition recommended; do not mill with high-iron content raw materials to avoid cross-contamination
- Compatibility: Compatible with most soda-lime and feldspar-based glaze systems; consult Goway for borosilicate or high-zinc formulations
- Storage: Keep dry; moisture absorption may affect dispersion quality in aqueous glaze slips
- Safety: SDS available on request; standard ceramic chemical handling protocols apply
Product Positioning & Core Value
C6064 is Goway's flagship premium-grade zirconium silicate for ultra-white ceramic glazes. Delivering Whiteness 90.5° at 1200°C with Zr(Hf)O₂ content of 63.5–64.5% and Fe₂O₃ restricted to just 0.13%, C6064 is purpose-built for the growing ultra-white tile and polished porcelain segment where L* targets above 92° are standard. Its combination of high zirconia purity, minimal iron content, and low titanium makes it the most cost-effective premium opacifier in the Goway portfolio — achieving near-specialty whiteness at ceramic-grade pricing.
Compared to C6060, C6064 delivers approximately 4° higher whiteness through a 40% reduction in Fe₂O₃ content, making it the default choice for sanitaryware factories and premium tile producers transitioning from conventional opacifiers to ultra-white formulations.
Key Parameters (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Deep Dive: Zr(Hf)O₂ 63.5–64.5% & Opacity Efficiency
The zirconium dioxide content in C6064 at 63.5–64.5% is the highest among ceramic-grade products in this portfolio. In glaze opacification, ZrO₂ particles function as Mie scatterers — their effectiveness scales with the square of the refractive index differential and the third power of particle concentration. At this purity level, C6064 achieves equivalent opacity to lower-grade materials at 20–35% lower addition rates, directly reducing cost-per-kilogram of finished glaze while simultaneously improving whiteness. Typical addition in ultra-white glaze: 3–5% by dry weight.
Typical Applications
- Ultra-white polished porcelain tile glaze (L* >92°)
- Premium sanitaryware glaze (toilets, basins, urinals)
- White and light-colored floor tile glaze
- Digital ink carrier for high-definition printable glazes
- High-albedo exterior wall tile glaze requiring UV resistance
Processing Notes & Formulation Guidelines
- Addition rate: 3–5% for ultra-white glaze; 5–7% for standard white tile glaze; higher rates increase opacity but may affect glaze surface gloss
- Grinding: Fine grinding to D50 <5 µm recommended for smooth surface finishes; coarser grades may cause pinhole defects at high speeds
- Compatibility: Fully compatible with conventional soda-lime-silica, feldspar, and kaolin-based glaze systems; adjusts well with zinc oxide and calcium borosilicate fluxes
- Dispersion: Pre-wetting and high-shear mixing in the glaze slip recommended to prevent agglomeration; ball milling with zirconia media preferred
- Gloss adjustment: If targeting matte or semi-matte finishes, C6064 loading can be increased with corresponding flux reduction to maintain surface quality
Product Positioning & Core Value
C6060 occupies the mid-high tier of Goway's zirconium silicate range — a grade designed for high-performance glaze applications where opacity consistency and surface quality are the primary concerns, and where whiteness above 86° is sufficient. With Zr(Hf)O₂ at 59.5–60.5%, Fe₂O₃ at 0.22%, and Al₂O₃ at 3.33%, C6060 offers a balanced impurity profile that provides excellent opacity at moderate addition levels while maintaining the rheological stability critical for modern high-speed spray application lines.
The fine particle characteristics of C6060 support uniform suspension in glaze slips without excessive sedimentation, reducing the need for additional suspending agents. Its mid-range Fe₂O₃ makes it unsuitable for ultra-white applications but ideally suited for glazed wall tiles, medium-grade floor tiles, and specialty decorative tiles where opacity and cost balance drive the selection decision.
Key Parameters (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Deep Dive: Why Fe₂O₃ 0.22% Still Matters for Opacity
At Fe₂O₃ of 0.22%, C6060 still contributes a measurable yellowness bias in the fired glaze. In practice, glaze formulators targeting L* values of 88–91° can accommodate this iron content through standard adjustments: reducing feldspar proportion, adding minor opacifier blends, or using titanium-based whitening agents. C6060's strength is not its whiteness ceiling but its opacity efficiency — its Zr(Hf)O₂ content of 59.5–60.5% provides robust scattering efficiency, making it reliable for consistent coverage even in thicker glaze layers applied by waterfall or disk application methods.
Typical Applications
- Glazed wall tiles (standard white and marble-effect)
- Mid-grade floor tiles requiring consistent opacity
- Decorative tile glazes with colorants and pigments
- Frit and glaze concentrates for industrial users
- Ceramic tile screen printing pastes
Processing Notes & Formulation Guidelines
- Addition rate: 5–8% for standard white glaze; 8–10% in high-coverage applications; adjust with Zr(Hf)O₂ equivalent calculation
- Suspension: C6060 demonstrates good rheological compatibility with conventional glaze slip systems (SPC, CMC, ATT variants); trial mixing recommended before production-scale adoption
- Compatibility: Compatible with most ceramic glaze systems; elevated Al₂O₃ (3.33%) may slightly increase melt viscosity — monitor in high-temperature fast-firing cycles (>1180°C)
- Surface defects: At addition rates above 8%, monitor for pinhole formation in fast-firing profiles; lower temperature glazes may require flux balancing
Product Positioning & Core Value
C6050S is Goway's cost-effective standard-grade zirconium silicate, designed for ceramic body opacification and standard tile glaze applications where whiteness targets are moderate and per-tonne cost is a primary procurement driver. With Zr(Hf)O₂ content of 50–51% and Fe₂O₃ at 0.27%, C6050S provides reliable opacity performance in high-volume production environments without requiring the formulation precision or budget allocation of premium-grade materials.
This grade is the workhorse of the Goway zirconium silicate portfolio — used in body slips for colored bodies, in economical glaze recipes for budget tile lines, and in applications where the final product aesthetic tolerates a warm white tone (L* 87–90°). Its broader impurity profile (Al₂O₃ 11.4%, TiO₂ 1.84%) reflects a composition closer to naturally occurring zircon sand, making it more affordable at scale.
Key Parameters (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Deep Dive: Why Zr(Hf)O₂ 50–51% Is Sufficient for Body Applications
In ceramic body opacification — as opposed to surface glaze — the primary goal is color masking rather than aesthetic whiteness. Body slips containing iron-bearing clays,feldspars, or coloring oxides require zirconium silicate to conceal the underlying fired body color. At Zr(Hf)O₂ 50–51%, C6050S provides adequate scattering efficiency for body applications where the glaze coating is thin and the body itself provides the structural opacity. This contrasts with glaze opacification, where surface appearance demands higher Zr(Hf)O₂ purity. The cost saving per tonne at this grade can be 15–25% compared to C6060 or C6064.
Typical Applications
- Colored and white ceramic body slips for floor tiles
- Standard economical white wall and floor tile glaze
- Rustic tile and terracotta glaze systems
- Budget-friendly sanitaryware body coatings
- Ceramic pigment and colorant base carrier
Processing Notes & Formulation Guidelines
- Addition rate: 5–10% in body slips; 6–10% in standard economic glaze; higher rates needed compared to premium grades due to lower Zr(Hf)O₂ content
- Body mixing: Pre-dry blend before adding to aqueous slip; C6050S particles are generally coarser — ensure adequate mixing time in blungers
- Glaze formulation: At elevated TiO₂ (1.84%), avoid co-using titanium-based whitening agents or zinc titanate opacifiers to prevent over-titanation and unwanted yellowing at high temperature
- Cost consideration: Compare cost-per-tonne plus effective addition rate against C6060 to determine true cost efficiency; C6050S may not always be the lowest total cost at production scale