8.3.1 Composition of Ceramic and Their Uses

Ceramics​

  1. Ceramic is a substance that is made from clay and hardened by heat in a furnace maintained at a high temperature.
  2. Clay is composed of aluminosilicate with sand and iron(III) oxide as impurities.
  3. Examples of ceramics include
    1. Tiles
    2. Cement
    3. Bricks
    4. porcelain

The differences between the properties of ceramics, metals and non-metals are given below

PropertyMetalsNon-metalsCeramic
HardnessHard but malleable and ductileSoft and brittleHard but brittle
DensityHighLowAverage
Melting pointHighLowVery high
Resistance to heatHighLowVery high
Heat and
Electrical conductivity
Good
conductor
Good
insulator
Good
insulator
Chemical reactionsCorrodesCorrodesStable, does not corrode

Comparing Glass and Ceramic

Common Properties of Glass and Ceramics

  1. Hard
  2. Strong but brittle
  3. Chemically inactive
  4. Poor conductor of heat and electricity
  5. High melting point – heat resistant
  6. Cannot be compressed easily