Ceramic Melting Point: Tudo o que precisa de saber

Whether you are designing industrial parts, creating pottery, or selecting materials for high-performance applications, knowing the melting point helps you choose the right ceramic for your project.

In this blog, you’ll learn what ceramic melting point is and discover which materials are best for different uses.

What’s the Melting Point of Ceramic?

The melting point of ceramic materials is the temperature at which it goes from solid to liquid. Ceramics are known for their ability to withstand high heat, but each type of ceramic has a different melting point.

The higher the melting point, the more heat the ceramic can handle before it starts to melt.

Types of Ceramic Materials and Their Melting Points

Here are some common ceramic materials and their melting points to help you compare their heat resistance:

Tantalum Carbide

This ceramic material has a melting point of around 3880°C (7016°F), which is the highest. It’s known for its excellent thermal shock resistance and is often used in aerospace applications.

If you’re working in high-temperature environments, this material will perform well.

Titanium Carbide

With a melting point of around 3160°C (5720°F), titanium carbide is extremely strong and hard. It’s best for cutting tools and other high-performance applications.

If you need something durable, this could be a great choice.

Carboneto de tungsténio

Tungsten carbide has a melting point of approximately 2870°C (5198°F). It’s famous for its wear resistance and hardness.

If you need something that can stand up to heavy wear and tear, like cutting tools, this is a go-to material.

Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide melts at about 2730°C (4946°F) and is known for its wear and chemical resistance. It’s often used in cutting tools and thermal processing applications.

If your project involves harsh environments, this material could be the right one.

Porcelain

Porcelain melts between 1700-1800°C (3092-3272°F) and is known for its elegance and durability.

It’s a popular choice for fine dinnerware and decorative items. If you’re working on products like these, porcelain is a great material to use.

Silica

Silica melts at around 1713°C (3115.4°F) and is known for its excellent thermal shock resistance.

If you’re working on aerospace or energy systems, silica is commonly used and would be suitable for your needs.

Bone China (Fine China)

Bone China has a melting point of about 1670°C (3038°F) and is a type of porcelain. If you’re making decorative or functional pieces, this could be a good material to consider.

Fire Bricks

Fire bricks range in melting points from 1540-2200°C (2804-3992°F). These are refractory materials that are designed to withstand high temperatures.

If you’re lining kilns, furnaces, or fireplaces, fire bricks are a solid choice.

Glass Ceramics

Glass ceramics have a melting point between 850°C (1562°F) and 1723°C (3133.4°F). They are strong and tough. They are ideal for cookware and other durable items.

If you need a material for everyday items that can handle moderate heat, glass ceramics may be the right option.

Other Ceramics

Other ceramics you might come across include alumina with a melting point of 2072°C (3761.6°F), mullite with a melting point of  1850°C (3362°F), and zirconia with a melting point of 2175°C (3947°F).

Summary Table of the Types of Ceramic Materials and Their Melting Points

What Factors Can Affect Ceramic Melting Point?

When working with ceramics, you might notice that their melting points can vary even for the same type of material. This happens because several factors can influence the melting point of ceramic materials.

Let’s look at the key factors that affect the melting point of ceramic materials so you can choose the right one for your project.

Composição

What the ceramic is made of has a big effect on its melting point. Ceramics are made from different materials like oxides, carbides, and nitrides.

Some of these materials, like tantalum carbide or silicon carbide, have strong atomic bonds, which make them melt at very high temperatures.

Pureza

The purity of the ceramic is very important. The cleaner or the purer the material is, the higher the melting point.

If there are impurities or unwanted materials, they can weaken the structure of the ceramic and make it melt at a lower temperature.

So, if you need a ceramic that can handle very high heat, always look for one with high purity

Cristalinidade

The way the ceramic’s atoms are arranged also affects its melting point. If the ceramic has a very organized atomic structure (high crystallinity), it can resist higher temperatures.

If it has a more random, glass-like structure (low crystallinity), it will melt at a lower temperature.

For example, glass ceramics have lower melting points than fully crystalline ceramics like zirconia.

Temperatura e pressão

The conditions around the ceramic, like temperature and pressure, can also change its melting point.

Under high pressure, the ceramic melting point goes up because the atoms are squeezed closer together so it is harder for the material to melt.

On the other hand, in low-pressure environments or in a vacuum, ceramic melting points can drop. This is why ceramics behave differently in different places, like in industrial settings or aerospace applications, where pressure can vary a lot.

Understanding Ceramic Temperature Limit

Ceramic materials can handle heat from 850°C (1562°F) to over 3000°C (5432°F), depending on what they’re made of.

The temperature limit matters because it shows how much heat a ceramic can handle without failing. High-heat ceramics like titanium carbide are great for cutting tools, while lower-heat options like porcelain or fire bricks are better for kilns or cookware.

Always match the ceramic’s temperature limit to your project needs to avoid cracks or failure.

Thermal Shock on Ceramic

Thermal shock happens when a ceramic faces a sudden temperature change. Unlike metals or plastics, ceramics are brittle and can crack or shatter instead of bending.

Some ceramics, like silicon carbide, resist thermal shock better, while others, like porcelain, are more likely to break. Always check the material’s composition before exposing it to quick heating or cooling.

Even though ceramics can handle high temperatures, they may slowly deform (creep) under stress at extreme heat. To avoid damage, pick the right ceramic and handle it carefully.

How to Measure Ceramic Melting Point

To measure the melting point of ceramic materials, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is the most common method.

You heat a small sample and monitor the heat it absorbs. The melting point is the temperature where the ceramic absorbs a lot of heat and starts to melt.

For high-temperature ceramics, you can also use aerodynamic levitation or laser heating. These methods heat the sample without direct contact. Thermal Mechanical Analysis (TMA) can also help measure the softening point.

When measuring, consider purity, heating rate, and atmosphere since they can affect the results.

The Role of Melting Point in Ceramic Applications

High-temperature Applications

If you need materials that can handle extreme heat, ceramics like alumina and zirconia are great choices. Their high melting points let them survive in places like furnace linings, kiln parts, and aircraft engines.

Unlike metals, they don’t melt or weaken under high temperatures that’s why they are reliable in tough conditions.

Electrical and Thermal Insulation

When working with electricity and you want materials that don’t conduct it, ceramics like alumina and silicon nitride are perfect choices.

They have high melting points and don’t let electricity pass through, so they are used in insulators, spark plugs, and other electrical parts.

For heat insulation, these ceramics are used in refractory bricks, insulating pipes, and thermal barrier coatings. They help control temperature and improve efficiency in electronics and power systems.

Material Durability

If you need materials that last a long time, ceramics are a solid option. Their high melting points make them strong against heat, wear, and chemicals.

That’s why they are used in industrial machines, medical implants, and even household tools like ceramic knives. They don’t rust or break down easily.

Conclusão

Understanding ceramic melting points helps you select the right material for your project. Whether you need heat resistance, insulation, or durability, ceramics are a great choice.

Em DEK, we offer high-quality ceramic parts for a variety of applications, and we have extensive experience specializing in CNC machining ceramic components. Contact us to find the material that best suits your needs.