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About Ceramics
The term “ceramics” encompasses one of
three main material classes, along with metals and polymers. These materials
are formed from clays and other naturally-occurring minerals, or else
are created from chemically-processed powders. Ceramics are inorganic
and metallic, and have crystalline structures, except for glass,
which is unusual in that it is amorphous. Ceramic manufacturing forms
ceramic in a variety of compounds, usually a metallic and a nonmetallic
element, such as silicon and carbon or aluminum and oxygen (alumina).
Different types of ceramics are produced in ceramics manufacturing starting
with a raw material, and then adding other elements to create desired
properties. After this, the material is prepped in ceramic manufacturing
for forming by adding water or another additive. Slip casting, pressing,
extrusion and injection
molding are all different methods that can be used to shape the material.
The resulting formed, unfired ceramic material is known as greenware.
Finally, the object is fired in a kiln to become a rigid product, which
can then be glazed or further processed by polishing, cutting or machining
for advanced ceramics.
Ceramics are divided within ceramics manufacturing into many different categories,
depending on function. Structural clay products, for instance, are used in the
construction industry as bricks and tiles, while whitewares (what many people
first think of as “ceramics”) are used for dinnerware and other decorative
purposes. Abrasives, such as garnet and diamonds, are used as blasting materials,
and cements are mainly utilized in the construction of bridges, dams and concrete
roads. Ceramic insulators, capacitators, magnets and superconductors are known
as electrical ceramics. Glass products, although having slightly different properties,
are also a subset of ceramics. Additionally, there are other types that include
ceramic coatings for engine components and industrial wear parts, and chemical
and environmental ceramics, used as fibers, membranes and catalysts.
The newest and most exciting class of ceramics in ceramic manufacturing is advanced
ceramics (or technical ceramics). These materials have a wide range of applications,
from artificial bones to space shuttle tiles, and are desirable because of their
many excellent properties: high melting point, oxidation resistance, high hardness
and light weight. They are, however, rather expensive, which has discouraged
many engineers from using them. But when one looks at the long-term benefits
of reliable performance over a lifetime, advanced ceramics can be very cost-effective.
There is also a false perception that ceramics manufacturing has many limitations,
but considering their excellent performance in thermal, electronic, structural
and mechanical applications, they should be a premier material choice. Advanced
ceramics are able to outperform metals in many situations, especially in harsh
environments, and are also sometimes able to conduct electricity better than
copper.
Ceramics have found uses in numerous industries, including automotive, power
generation, refractory, industrial, food processing, chemical, construction and
many more. Ceramic coatings are used to coat engine components, because they
reduce the surface temperature of the parts, and in essence extend the life.
Additionally, ceramic coatings give the parts excellent chemical resistance.
Coatings are applied with a spray gun and then cured in an oven. Ceramics are
also useful as ball bearings, because they are much less dense than other materials, which helps
reduce centrifugal force and increase the maximum rotation speed. Ceramic bearings
are smooth, hard, high tolerance, have less wear because of reduced friction,
are nonconductive and in general have a longer operating life. Ceramics can be
used in environmental applications to capture toxic materials and decrease pollution,
or help with water purification. In the medical field, ceramics are used as bone
and teeth replacements, as well as blood sugar sensors for diabetics. Trains
in Japan use the Meissner effect with ceramic magnets to
create levitation. With all these new developments and research, there is little
that ceramics may not be used for in the future.
Featured
Articles
http://www.ceramicindustry.com/CDA/Archives/eb8b7442bbac7010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0
http://customclassictrucks.com/techarticles/137_0312_cerm
http://www.physorg.com/news4987.html
Types of Ceramics
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are smooth, lightweight and high tolerance, leading to an increased
maximum rotational speed.
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are extremely reliable and hardy, and are often made from alumina ceramics
or Steatite.
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are, although expensive, able to give coated objects a life of up to
10 times longer.
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are raw ceramics mixed with other materials to achieve desired properties.
Ceramic composites can be significantly stronger and more resistant
to damage.
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are used for a wide variety of applications, because of very good electrical
conductivity.
- involves
the design and manufacture of ceramic precision components.
- are
companies that make ceramic materials.
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are solid, cylindrical ceramic products.
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are hollow, cylindrical ceramic products, often available with single
or multiple bores.
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are used for their high abrasion, temperature and corrosion resistance.
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