What is Ceramics?

The concept of ceramics is historically associated with the concept of terracotta and pottery, from which the Greek term κεραμοσ is derived. This term refers to soils, crushed rocks, i.e. geological materials.

Examples of these products are terracotta bricks or pots, whose visual appearance is not very different from dry clays, but whose mechanical resistance is much higher and insensitivity to water is an important feature.

Properties of Ceramics

As we have already mentioned, the most important characteristic of ceramics is that they are refractory (resistant to high temperatures). Most of us install tiles in our kitchens and bathrooms because ceramic tiles are hard, waterproof, highly resistant to scratches and continue to look good year after year.

To summarize the properties of ceramics;

High melting points (so they are heat resistant).

Hardness and rigidity.

Long life and durability.

Low electrical and thermal conductivity (They are good insulators.)

They do not react with chemicals.

High dimensional stability.

Good wear resistance

High resistance to corrosion (rusting)

Weak impact strength

Most ceramic materials are also non-magnetic materials, but ferrites (iron-based ceramics) acquire magnetic properties due to their iron content.