Ceramics Definition and History

Study Notes

Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials that are created by heating clay and other inorganic materials at high temperatures.
The word "ceramic" comes from the Greek word "keramos," meaning potter's clay.
Ceramics have been around for thousands of years, with evidence of ceramic production dating back to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China.

Earthenware: A type of ceramic that is fired at a relatively low temperature (around 1800°F), making it more prone to chipping and cracking.
Stoneware: A type of ceramic that is fired at a higher temperature (around 2400°F), making it stronger and more durable than earthenware.
Porcelain: A type of ceramic that is fired at an even higher temperature (around 2600°F), making it extremely strong and translucent.

Hardness: Ceramics are extremely hard and resistant to scratching and wear.
Brittleness: Ceramics are prone to cracking and shattering due to their brittle nature.
Thermal shock resistance: Ceramics can withstand extreme temperature changes without breaking or deforming.
Corrosion resistance: Ceramics are resistant to corrosion and can withstand exposure to chemicals and harsh environments.

Art and decoration: Ceramics have been used for centuries to create beautiful works of art, from pottery to sculptures.
Functional items: Ceramics are used to make functional items such as plates, cups, and utensils.
Industrial applications: Ceramics are used in industrial settings for things such as electrical insulators, filters, and wear-resistant components.
Biomedical applications: Ceramics are used in biomedical applications such as dental implants, hip replacements, and surgical instruments.

Wedging: A process of kneading clay to remove air pockets and make it more pliable.
Throwing: A process of shaping clay on a potter's wheel to create symmetrical shapes.
Hand-building: A process of shaping clay by hand to create more complex shapes.
Firing: A process of heating clay at high temperatures to create a hard, non-porous surface.

Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials created by heating clay and other inorganic materials at high temperatures.
The word "ceramic" originates from the Greek word "keramos," meaning potter's clay.
Ceramic production dates back to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China, with evidence of thousands of years of existence.

Earthenware: fired at around 1800°F, making it prone to chipping and cracking.
Stoneware: fired at around 2400°F, making it stronger and more durable than earthenware.
Porcelain: fired at around 2600°F, making it extremely strong and translucent.

Ceramics are extremely hard and resistant to scratching and wear.
They are prone to cracking and shattering due to their brittle nature.
They can withstand extreme temperature changes without breaking or deforming due to thermal shock resistance.
Ceramics are resistant to corrosion and can withstand exposure to chemicals and harsh environments.

Art and decoration: used for centuries to create beautiful works of art, from pottery to sculptures.
Functional items: used to make functional items such as plates, cups, and utensils.
Industrial applications: used in industrial settings for things such as electrical insulators, filters, and wear-resistant components.
Biomedical applications: used in biomedical applications such as dental implants, hip replacements, and surgical instruments.