The research and development laboratory of Xieta International, S.L., located in

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Barcelona and specialized in the field of advanced ceramic materials, presents its latest
development: the AZ Nanobeads.
The AZ Nanobeads are designed to meet the needs of highly demanding grinding
processes, which until now required the use of zirconium microbeads.
For the production of AZ Nanobeads, the latest advancements in structured
nanomaterial manufacturing processes are used. These beads are nanocrystalline
compounds with an alumina matrix, reinforced with a dispersion of ceramic particles
that form a well-defined second crystalline phase, thus creating a ceramic
nanocomposite.
Furthermore, the implementation of double sintering processes—commonly used in
bio-nanotechnology—has enabled the development of a product with a homogeneous
microstructure of alumina microcrystals, completely free of porosity and
imperfections. This results in a perfectly spherical grinding medium with excellent
mechanical properties and high wear resistance.
Currently, AZ Nanobeads are being consistently used by manufacturers across various
sectors, who have confirmed their very low wear levels—comparable only to those of
zirconium microbeads but at a much more affordable price. Additionally, significant
cost savings are achieved due to the packing density differences between the two
types of beads, leading to a notable reduction in overall grinding costs.
AZ Nanobeads are specially formulated for use in high-energy grinding processes
where a very fine particle size is required—reaching nanometric scales. They are
therefore used in high-speed mills across various industries such as ceramic inks, paint,
advanced ceramics, mining, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc.