The Many Facets of Ceramic

By Matt Osborne


A ceramic is really an inorganic solid prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. To put it simply, ceramic is a material used to create things. It is a very extensive word that covers any material composed of inorganic crystalline components. Ceramic is an adaptable substance that's as old as civilization itself, but still has numerous sensible uses these days.

The art of ceramics has been around for hundreds of years. The term ceramic derives from the Greek word keramikos, which means "of pottery". The earliest ceramic objects are dated from twenty seven thousand years ago. These kinds of figures were made of a fire-hardened clay material. Later on, ceramics were glazed to create a smooth surface which was often shaded for decorative purposes.

Ceramic has evolved from simple gray clay pottery to glazed and finished materials in lots of shapes and colors. These days ceramic items are available in anything from construction components to art items. In the 20th century, new ceramic components were introduced for use in sophisticated ceramic design just like in semiconductors.

Ceramic products are typically split into 4 classes: structural, refractories, whitewares, and technical. Structural ceramics include bricks, pipes, and tiles for floors and roofs. They're usually built to be solid as well as structurally sound. Refractories need to stand up to remarkable heat and are utilized in gas fire radiants, kiln lining, and glass making crucibles. Whitewares include white ceramic objects in the house just like tableware, cookware, pottery products, as well as appliances such as toilets and sinks. These types of objects are made from material such as porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, and bone china. Finally, technical ceramic is employed in applications from the biomedical implants to space shuttle program.

Ceramics are used almost everywhere and are found in the most uncommon areas. For instance, ceramics are being employed in tooth implants as these components bond easily to bone and other tissues within the body with no rejection. Watchmakers are now making high-tech white ceramic watches due to the material's light weight, ability to resist scratches, and durability. Because of their light, still solid structure, ceramics are likewise usually used in bullet-proof vests as a means to repel huge caliber rifle fire. Even some knife blades use ceramic materials to ensure the blade stays sharper longer than conventional metal.

From its very humble origins as being a material to make clay pots, to the advanced scientific uses of today, ceramic has come a long way. You might be amazed the number of ceramic items you find while looking around your house, from the white ceramic vase at the corner to the tiles that line your kitchen floor. Ceramic is all over the place and will continue to play a crucial part in our modern lives.




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