Technical ceramics withstand higher temperatures. The heat-resistant materials used for their manufacture make them extremely durable. They help in bringing high-performance products into markets. The competitive properties of technical ceramic include extreme hardness and strength excellent heat resistance and competitive electrical properties. This helps in process optimization in various fields.
Material properties of ceramics
Ceramic heat capacity: The specific heat capacity is the potential of a material of unit kilogram weight to change its temperature to 1 deg C. The material should not undergo phase transition. The heat capacity of ceramics is generally lower than that of concrete and molten salts. This means that ceramics require more energy to raise their temperature.
Ceramic heat resistance is a crucial property of ceramic material to withstand high temperatures. It also gives a fair idea of the temperature at which a ceramic melts down.
Ceramic thermal conductivity refers to the efficiency of the ceramic material to conduct thermal energy. Thermal conductivity is a function of ceramic composition, porosity and the presence of any impurities. Ceramics can either be used as thermal insulators if thermal conductivity is low. On the other hand, Ceramic tiles with good thermal conductivity are used for floor heating.
Hardness: Hardness is the capability of a ceramic to resist plastic deformation. Hardness makes ceramics an ideal material for cutting tools and abrasives.
Corrosion Resistance: The ability to withstand chemical or electrochemical reactions makes ceramic survive in harsh environments. Corrosion resistance reduces maintenance costs and offers longevity to the process where the item is used.
Is ceramic heat resistant?
Ceramics are generally heat-resistant materials. The temperature limit of ceramics is in the range of 1000 – 1600 deg C or above. They are known for their higher melting temperature. However, ceramics under sudden temperature fluctuation or mechanical stresses experience cracks. The phenomena are a result of sudden thermal expansion. The various types of heat-resistant ceramic are:
Traditional ceramic: This includes ceramics like bricks and tiles that are used for high-temperature operation and are made conventionally. They are mainly used for making clay tile, tableware, abrasives and refractory linings.
Technical or Advanced Ceramics: These are made from inorganic high-purity compounds by specialized manufacturing processes. They have superior properties such as conductivity, permeability, and magnetism and are employed in specialized applications. Based on heat application the subcategories are as below.
- Fine ceramics: These are advanced ceramics that offer more heat resistance than conventional ceramics. An example is Alumina ceramics with a withstanding temperature of 2000 degC.
- High-Temperature Ceramic: These are a type of refractory ceramic that withstands high temperatures.
- Ultra-high-temperature ceramic: Ultra high temperature ceramic is a subsection of high-temperature ceramic. It is capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures above 2000 degrees C. Ultra-high temperature ceramic possesses high thermal conductivity and is resistant to thermal shocks. They also have superior structural stability.
- Ceramic coatings: Ceramic coatings are used to protect materials that are prone to excess heating. They are used in engine or exhaust components.
Temperature limit of ceramics
What temperature does ceramic melt?
Identifying the context of usage is very important while dealing with ceramic materials. Ceramics are known for their heat resistance. They hold strong ionic or covalent bonds that are stronger than metals or polymers. Most ceramics have high melting points. Ceramic melting temperature can be as low as 800 deg C to as high as 3000 deg C.
How hot can ceramic get before it breaks is a general concern when choosing ceramic for any day-to-day application. The temperature at which ceramic breaks depends upon the type used and the context of usage. For example, Conventional ceramics such as bricks or tiles may crack if there is a sudden change in temperatures. An example is placing a hot pan on a cold tile.
Is porcelain heat-resistant?
Porcelain is a type of ceramic material made of heating kaolinite at a temperature of 1200 to 1400 degrees. The strength and translucence of porcelain are due to the formation of Mullite at higher temperatures. This process is known as vitrification. Porcelain is used to make table wares such as heat-resistant ceramic bowls, decorative items and insulators. Porcelain is basically of three major types; bone China porcelain, hard paste and soft paste porcelain. The heat resistance of porcelain is around 1200 to 2000 degrees C. Porcelain is suitable for hot kitchen or bathroom applications.
How is glass different from ceramics?
Glass and Ceramics differ in many aspects. Glass is amorphous but ceramics are crystalline. Glasses have low thermal conductivity and offer high electrical resistivity. They are ideal for window panes, lenses and insulators. They also find application in laboratory glassware or speciality acid storage. Glasses are chemically inert. Ceramics are opaque and offer good strength. They are nonmetallic materials that are resistant to wear and tear. Ceramics are chosen over glasses when there is a continuous exposure to heat.
Technical Ceramics
Technical ceramics, also known as advanced ceramics, are crafted by LCD manufacturers or semiconductor manufacturers to meet the special needs of the industry. They can replace metals, ceramics and polymers in industrial applications. Their high performance is due to their extreme purity with oxides, carbides and nitrides.
Why technical ceramics are highly heat resistant?
Technical ceramics are heat resistant. The underlying reasons for their heat resistance are as follows:
Ceramic Thermal expansion: Thermal expansion stands for any change in area, volume, structure or any other properties of a material with respect to heat. The heat resistance of technical ceramics is due to their low coefficient of thermal expansion.
Low Ceramic Thermal Conductivity: Technical ceramics have low thermal conductance as the energy moves slowly through them.
Thermal capacitance: Thermal capacitance comes with the ability to preserve heat without any noted escalation of temperature.
Conclusion
Compared to traditional materials such as steel, plastics, polymers and other engineered items. Modern technical ceramics offer Superior material qualities. This makes them an ideal fit for applications involving tear resistance, extra durability, and electrical and thermal resistance. An person should always overlook technical ceramics for multi-dimensional process enhancement and optimization.