Silica Aerogel vs TiO2 Ceramic
Ceramic · grade comparison
Silica Aerogel and TiO2 Ceramic are both ceramic grades. TiO2 Ceramic is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 0.02 MPa (0.0029 ksi) for Silica Aerogel, about 4000 times as much. Silica Aerogel is lighter (0.1 g/cm³ vs 4.15 g/cm³ for TiO2 Ceramic) and TiO2 Ceramic is stiffer (250 GPa vs 0.01 GPa).
Silica AerogelChoose it when weight is the constraint.
TiO2 CeramicChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Silica Aerogel vs TiO2 Ceramic: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Hardness, Mohs
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Porosity
Melting Point (Solidus)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Silica Aerogel | TiO2 Ceramic |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Silica Aerogel vs TiO2 Ceramic — frequently asked
Is TiO2 Ceramic stronger than Silica Aerogel?
Yes. TiO2 Ceramic has a typical tensile strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) against 0.02 MPa (0.0029 ksi) for Silica Aerogel — about 4000 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Silica Aerogel or TiO2 Ceramic?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Silica Aerogel over TiO2 Ceramic?
Pick Silica Aerogel when weight is the constraint. Pick TiO2 Ceramic when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Silica Aerogel and TiO2 Ceramic side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.