Ceramics: Characteristics and Classification

Ceramics are compounds of metallic and non-metallic elements. ‘Ceramics’ originated from the Greek word ‘keromikos, ‘which means ‘burnt stuff.’

Ceramic bowls and glasses

Characteristics of Ceramics:

1. High-temperature stability.
2. High hardness-brittleness.
3. High mechanical strength.
4. Low elongation under application of stress.
5. Low thermal and electrical conductivities.

Classification of Ceramics:

Based on their composition, they are classified as:

1. Oxides,
2. Carbides,
3. Nitrides,
4. Sulfides,
5. Fluorides, etc.

Based on the application, it is classified as:

1. Glasses: containers, windows, mirrors, lenses.
2. Clay products: structural products (bricks, tiles, sewer pipes) and whitewares (porcelain, chinaware, pottery, etc.). 
3. Refractories: Thermal insulation. 
4. Abrasives: Diamond, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, silica sand, and aluminum oxide/corundum are typical abrasive ceramic materials.
5. Cement: construction brick. Advanced ceramics: heat engines, ceramic armors, electronic packaging, etc.