Ceramics are solid materials making an inorganic compound of metal, non-metal or ionic and covalent bonds. Rare earths are added to ceramic glazes for colour control. What are the ratios of rare earths in ceramics?
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The major rare earths used in making ceramics are La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Y. The use of rare earths colourants in ceramics is a recent development while there is further potential for growth as the prices of these metals will decrease. The main applications include capacitors, sensors, colourants, refractory etc.
Yttrium and cerium are used to stabilise zirconia in ceramics which require resistance such as wear, temperature and chemical etc.
They are replacing metal components where longer life or more extreme uses are required. Yttria-stabilised zirconia has been used in solid oxide fuel cells, which are starting to be commercialised soon.
Y and La are the two key rare earths used in ceramics, with consumption ratios of 55% and 18% respectively.
Ceramics accounts for around 5% of the total rare earths demand but is expected to decline in 2020.