What are Ceramic Materials: Guía definitiva

The term ceramic is quite popular, and when you take a look at what it is, you will find its usage in many applications. If you are not well aware of what ceramics materials are and how you can use them in your project, the guide below is for you. So, let's read.

What are Ceramic Materials?

Ceramic materials are manufactured using minerals, clays, compounds, and oxides. These differ from metallic and organic materials, and everything else falls under the list of ceramics. The commonly used ceramics are plates, toilets, tiles, glass, etc.

Ceramics offer durability even when exposed to high temperatures. These have the ability to resist chemicals and also high pressure. Ceramics are not magnetic, and some of them can very easily shatter.

Ceramics are Different from Pottery

Ceramics are commonly mistaken for pottery, but the two things are not at all the same. Pottery is a type of ceramic. Ceramic pottery commonly includes bowls, vases, mugs, and cups. There are artistic designs as well, which are under the head of pottery, and it is one of an older version of ceramic.

What is Ceramic Made of?

Ceramics are made by combining water, clay, powders, and some earth materials. The ratio of the materials varies based on the product which is created and what characteristics it needs. Some ceramics are made using clay, but some can also be made using silica, feldspar, and other additives.

Properties of Ceramics

There are different properties of ceramic materials, and are divided into two categories below:

Mechanical Properties of Ceramics

The mechanical properties of ceramics are given below:

• They have high compressive strength.
• Ceramics have poor impact strength.
• Ceramics have a rigid and stiff structure.
• They also consist of high temperatures for softening and compression strength.
• They have microcracks, which cause brittleness.
• It offers poor shock resistance.

Chemical Properties of Ceramics

The technical properties of ceramics are as follows:

• Ceramics offer chemical stability.
• They have the ability to resist corrosion.
• They do not react with bases and acids as they are inert.
• Some ceramics also act as catalysts in a chemical reaction.

Types of Ceramics

There are different types of ceramics, and the section below highlights each type.

Traditional

Traditional ceramics are made using materials like clay, feldspar, and quartz, which are then wet-molded. These ceramics can serve many purposes, such as magnetism, conductivity, and insulation. They have a structure dependent on the composition of clay. They are used to make household products, such as planters, mugs, jugs, vases, etc.

Advanced

Advanced ceramics are designed for their high performance, which makes them extremely strong and able to resist chemicals and heat. They are made using synthetic powders like silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, and silicon nitride.

Advanced Ceramics

Some of the advanced ceramics are as follows:

Silica

Silica has leachability and thermal shock resistance, which makes it suitable for manufacturing cores and casting shells for the energy and aeroespacial sectors.

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide has the ability to remain stable when subjected to high temperatures. It also gets mixed with some metal binders like nickel and cobalt, which helps create cement. It is used in applications like water jet nozzles and cutting tools due to its wear resistance and hardness.

Fire Bricks

Fire bricks are refractory ceramics that resist chemicals and high temperatures. Hence, they cannot break easily, and since they have low thermal conductivity, they offer energy efficiency. These are mostly used in fireplaces and applications of steel and glass making when mixed with clay.

Bone China

Bone China is porcelain which is known for its translucent look, resistance against chipping, and also exceptional strength. It is made from feldspathic, bone ash, and kaolin. It can be molded in shapes that are thin and is used for ornaments, decorative items, and dinnerware.

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Silicone carbide is one of the common types of ceramic materials which has carbon and silicon which gives it high resistance against wear and chemicals. They are used in applications composed of thermal processing like semiconductor devices, cutting tools, and abrasives.

Titanium Carbide

Titanium carbide has carbon and titanio which is suitable for use in harsh surroundings due to its high stability. It is used in wear-resistant coatings and cutting tools.

Glass Ceramics

Glass ceramics are formed by mixing glass with tiny crystals, which gives a very aesthetic crystalline appearance. It is suitable for manufacturing bakeware cooktops, and cookware offers high resistance against thermal shock and is also very tough.

Pottery Ceramics

Pottery ceramics are also traditional ceramics. Porcelain is a very common type of pottery ceramics that is made using white clay consisting of fine particles and a high level of plasticity. It is strong and durable and can be heated at high temperatures. It is used in manufacturing dinnerware, dental implants, and insulators.

Advanced Applications of Ceramics

Ceramics are composed of many advanced applications, which are as follows:

Biomedical: Ceramics are used in the medical sector due to their strength and biocompatibility; they are opted for manufacturing medical implants.

Aeroespacial: Various aerospace components like turbine blades and heat shields are made using ceramics.

Energy: The energy sector uses ceramic materials for their heat resistance and thermal stability. They are used for manufacturing thermal insulation, fuel cells, and solar panels.

Electrónica: The electronic sectors use ceramics for their excellent stability and ability to dissipate heat.

Benefits of 3D Printed Ceramics vs Metals

3D-printed ceramics offer high resistance against temperature without any changes in their shape or deformation. Moreover, they are very light in weight which makes them suitable for the aerospace sector where weight is a concern. Cerámica also offer corrosion resistance which is a problem with metals.

Benefits of 3D Printed Ceramics vs Plastics

3D-printed ceramics offer various pros when compared to plastics, as they can withstand high temperatures compared to plastics. They are highly durable due to their strength. Moreover, plastics may react with chemicals, which is not the case with ceramics.

Final Thoughts

After you have read the guide on ceramics above you must have understood what is ceramic, what are the different types of ceramics materials. So, if you are now looking forward to getting ceramic components manufactured, you can contact us at DEK.