![]() |
Ceramic Materials - Characteristics and Applications
Ceramics and glasses are inorganic, nonmetallic materials consisting of metallic and nonmetallic elements bonded primarily with ionic and covalent bonds. These high strength bonds give rise to the special characteristics of these materials. They occupy a unique place in the spectrum of engineered materials offering many desirable alternatives to the metals and polymers in common usage.
General Characteristics of Structural Materials Characteristic Ceramics Metals PolymersDensity Low to High
Low to High
Low
Hardness High
Medium
Low
Tensile Strength Low to Medium
High
Low
Compressive Strength High
Medium to High
Low to Medium
Young's Modulus Medium to High
Low to High
Low
Melting Point High
Low to High
Low
Dimensional Stability High
Low to Medium
Low
Thermal Expansion Low to Medium
Medium to High
High
Thermal Conductivity Medium
Medium to High
Low
Thermal Shock Low
Medium to High
High
Electrical Resistance High
Low
High
Chemical Resistance High
Low to Medium
Medium
Oxidation Resistance Medium to High
Low
Low
Machinability Medium
Low
Medium
There are wide variations in the properties of ceramics and glasses due primarily to differences in bonding and wide variations in chemical composition. However, as a materials class, the following characteristics are typical.
Low to moderate density compared to metals
High modulus of elasticity (stiffness)
Good strength retention at elevated temperatures
Resistant to high temperature creep
Dimensional stability
High compressive strength
Low to moderate tensile and shear strength
High hardness
Corrosion and oxidation resistant
Good electrical insulation properties
Wide range of thermal conductivity
Wide range of thermal expansion coefficient
Brittle
Low impact strength
Sensitive to thermal shock
Ceramics for engineering applications can be broadly broken into traditional and new materials. We define traditional materials as those produced from minerals mined directly from the earth. The newer ceramic materials, those with well defined and controlled properties are produced from nearly chemically and phase pure starting materials. Accuratus is capable of working with most of these material types.
An inventory of new ceramic materials is maintained at Accuratus for rapid fulfillment of your design requirements. We have a network of quality materials suppliers so that we can assure you of consistent quality materials for your applications.
Typical property characteristics for materials stocked at Accuratus are listed on each of the material pages. Personnel with extensive experience in ceramic manufacture, design and application are available for detailed discussions and consultation on the most appropriate ceramic available for your application conditions.
|
Home | About Us | Back To Technical Library | Contact Us |
Copyright © 1996-2010 JobShop.com. All Rights Reserved. General or Technical Questions? E-mail support@JobShop.com |