Properties of ceramics and glass


Ceramic Material Characteristics

Ceramics and glasses are inorganic, nonmetallic materials consisting of metallic and nonmetallic elements bonded primarily with ionic and covalent bonds. These high strength bonds give rise to the special characteristics of these materials. They occupy a unique place in the spectrum of engineered materials offering many desirable alternatives to the metals and polymers in common usage.

General Characteristics of Structural Materials
CharacteristicCeramicsMetalsPolymers
DensityLow to HighLow to HighLow
HardnessHighMediumLow
Tensile StrengthLow to MediumHighLow
Compressive StrengthHighMedium to HighLow to Medium
Young’s ModulusMedium to HighLow to HighLow
Melting PointHighLow to HighLow
Dimensional StabilityHighLow to MediumLow
Thermal ExpansionLow to MediumMedium to HighHigh
Thermal ConductivityMediumMedium to HighLow
Thermal ShockLowMedium to HighHigh
Electrical ResistanceHighLowHigh
Chemical ResistanceHighLow to MediumMedium
Oxidation ResistanceMedium to HighLowLow
MachinabilityMediumLowMedium

 

.
There are wide variations in the properties of ceramics and glasses due primarily to differences in bonding and wide variations in chemical composition. However, as a materials class, the following characteristics are typical.
Low to moderate density compared to metals
High modulus of elasticity (stiffness)
Good strength retention at elevated temperatures
Resistant to high temperature creep
Dimensional stability
High compressive strength
Low to moderate tensile and shear strength
High hardness
Corrosion and oxidation resistant
Good electrical insulation properties
Wide range of thermal conductivity
Wide range of thermal expansion coefficient
Brittle
Low impact strength
Sensitive to thermal shock

uses of ceramics;

Uses of Ceramics

Ceramic products are hard, porous, and brittle. As a result, they are used to make pottery, bricks, tiles, cements, and glass. Ceramics are also used at many places in gas turbine engines. Bio-ceramics are used as dental implants and synthetic bones. Given below are some other important uses of ceramics.

Uses of Whitewares

Whitewares find application in spark plugs, electrical insulators, laboratory equipments, crucibles, dishes, and high-class potteries.

Uses of Clay

Clay is the starting raw material for manufacturing bricks, tiles, terracotta, pottery, earthenwares, sewer, drain pipes, and covers for electrical cables.

Uses of Stonewares

Stonewares are used for constructing sanitary fixtures, such as sinks and bath tubs. Stonewares are also used in the construction of piping vessels, drainage pipes, underground cable sheathings, sewerage pipes, home pipes, absorption towers, valves, and pumps in the chemical industry. They are cheaper than many other construction materials but are rather fragile and once broken, they have no resale value.

Uses of Glass

The main use of glass is to make household glassware, decorative items, and optical lenses. Glasses are used for heat insulation purposes, for example, in ovens. Glass is used as an insulator in metal pipelines, in vacuum cleaners, and on the walls and roofs of houses. Glass is resistant to chemicals. As a result, it is used to filter corrosive liquids such as acids and acid solutions. It is also used for sound insulation. Safety glass is used in aircraft, automobiles, helicopter, and submarines. Glass can also be…

Question

  1. define ceramics
  2. 5 properties of ceramics

 

See also

Metals

Properties of metals

Wood

Properties of materials

Workshop safety

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Fully Funded Scholarships

Free Visa, Free Scholarship Abroad

           Click Here to Apply

Acadlly