Are tabular alumina and plated alumina powder the same product?
No, tabular alumina and plated alumina powder are NOT the same product.
They are completely different in structure, production, properties, and applications.
1. Tabular Alumina
- Full name: Sintered tabular alumina
- Crystal structure: Large, dense, tabular-shaped α-Al₂O₃ crystals
- Production: High-temperature sintering above 1600°C
- Key properties: High density, high refractoriness, low porosity, high thermal shock resistance
- Main uses: Refractories, castables, high-temperature ceramics, wear-resistant materials
2. Plated Alumina Powder (also called flake / plate-like alumina powder)
- Full name: Plate-like / flake alumina powder
- Crystal structure: Thin, flat, hexagonal flake crystals
- Production: Chemical synthesis or hydrothermal method
- Key properties: High gloss, good orientation, smooth surface
- Main uses: Coatings, cosmetics, pearlescent pigments, thermal fillers, special ceramics
Short answer
Tabular alumina = for high-temperature refractory & wear resistance
Plated/flaky alumina = for coating, pigment & thermal interface materials
