Ceramic beads made from tungsten carbide with zirconium oxide / yttria-stabilized zirconia combine the high density and wear resistance of tungsten carbide with the toughness and fracture resistance associated with stabilized zirconia ceramics. These beads are used where standard glass, polymer, alumina, or zirconia media may not provide enough density, hardness, impact energy, or wear performance.

Tungsten carbide is a hard ceramic-metal compound valued for:

• High density — useful where small particles must add significant mass
• High hardness — strong abrasion and wear resistance
• Good dimensional stability — maintains shape under demanding mechanical conditions
• High compressive strength
• Resistance to deformation
• Chemical and thermal stability in many environments

Because tungsten carbide is substantially denser than most ceramic and glass materials, it is often selected when a spherical particle must contribute weight, momentum, or impact energy in a compact volume.