Microgrinding and Microdispersion Surface Treatment Zirconia Powders Electrofused ceramic beads have a fine and homogeneous microstruc-ture, high density, a smooth and not very abrasive surface, excellent mechanical properties and very good wear resistance. These charac- teristics ensure high efficiency when microgrinding and microdispers- ing a whole range of industrial products, such as paints, inks, pig- ments, mineral fillers, magnetic coatings and agrochemicals.The optimum combination of crystalline monoclinic zirconia sur-rounded by amorphous-phase silica results in both performance and durability. Another grade of ceramic beads was developed specifically for impactsurface treatment. These beads, with their strong mechanical resis- tance, guarantee constant performance and promote good working conditions due to their low dust emission. Impervious to moisture, the beads flow easily without agglomerating. Chemically inert, they do not contaminate the surface being treated.These beads are especially recommended for the treatment of stainlesssteel, non-ferrous metals and certain composite materials.A special grade, which meets aerospace standards, is used for shotpeening in manufacturing and maintenance, and for the peen forming of light alloy parts. Ceramic beads > In 1994, the Quality Systemadopted by the SEPR plant at Le Pontet (France) for the manufacture and distribution of beads, grains, ceramic powders and electrofused ceramics for industrial appli- cations, has been awarded ISO 9002 certification by AFAQ (French Association for Quality Assurance). and powders Quality and Innovation: a commitment to excellence SEPR also produces zirconia powders (zirconium oxide) using a uniquethermal process.Some grades are used in the synthesis of pigments for the traditionalceramic industry (tiles, sanitaryware, tableware). These pigments are characterized by their remarkable stability at high temperature and a strong colour intensity.Specially adapted zirconium oxides (purity, grain size, specific surfacearea) are used in a variety of highly technical applications, such as structural ceramics, piezoelectric ceramics, oxygen sensors, thermal barriers and pigment coatings.The continued growth of these markets requires the constant develop-ment of new products in response to the specific needs of new appli- cations. KOSSUTH, Editeur-Imprimeur, Paris Photos: Studio Pons ֖ 05/96 SEPR - ZirPro Department B.P. 25 - Villa Park - 84131 Le Pontet Cedex - FrancePhone: +33 (0)4 90 39 99 14 Fax: +33 (0)4 90 39 99 98 size="-4">

The electrofused ceramic beads produced by SEPR are used in the microgrinding of agrochemicals such as fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. The extremely fine particles obtained enable the use of smaller quanti- ties, which in turn increases efficiency and reduces pollution.Brightness, gloss and colour intensity are critical quality requirements of the paint and coatings industry. Electrofused ceramic beads help achieve these objectives.SEPR beads ensure the homogeneous dispersion of mineral fillers and promote a precise size distribution of fine particles. The main concerns of manufacturers...