A brief note on the topic Ceramics.

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2.  Inorganic and non-metallic materials having crystalline
nature.
 Formed from metals and non-metals.
 Alumina (Al2O3)
 Calcia (CaO)
 Silicon nitride (Si3N4)
 Formed through thermal
treatments.
 ‘Keramikos’ meaning burnt stuff.
 Physical properties differs from metals .

3.  Classifications
 Based on Composition -
Oxides, Carbides, Nitrides, Sulfides, Fluorides, etc.
 Based on applications -
Glass, Clay, Refractories, Abrasives, Cements, Advanced
ceramics
 Engineering Applications
 Traditional Ceramics – Made from clay, silica, fieldspar.
Eg:- Bricks, Tiles, etc.
 Engineering Ceramics – Made from pure compounds of
aluminium oxide(Al2O3),silicon carbide(SiC) and silicon
nitride(Si3N4).

4.  Glass :
Non crystalline solid silicates containing oxides of other
metals. Used in containers, windows, mirrors,
lenses, etc.
 Abrasive Ceramic Materials :
 Diamonds, silicon / tungsten carbide, silica s and,
aluminium oxide, cement, etc. comes under this group of
ceramics.
 Cement : Cement, when mixed with water form slurry that sets and
finally hardens, thus taking any shape.It is mainly used for
construction purposes like buildings.

5. Advanced Ceramics
 Their electrical and magnetic properties makes them
useful in heat engines, ceramic armors, electronic
packaging,etc.
 Alumina (Al2O3): Used to contain molten metal (operating at
high temperature), insulators in spark plugs, dental and
medical use, etc.
 Aluminium nitride (AlN) : Used in integrated and electrical
circuits at high frequency(due to good electrical insulation
and high thermal conductivity).
 Others of this kind include barium titanate(BaTiO3)
and Cordierite(2MgO-2Al2O3-5SiO2).
 The Hardest material available in nature among these is
Diamond.