Ceramic, such an amazing material
Posted By Casanova on January 17, 2010
The first ceramics were found in central Europe around 24,000BC. Early pottery was made from clay like material, either by itself or mixed with other materials such as ash or crushed bones. Since these ancient times, the technology and applications of ceramics has steadily progressed through the ages. Ceramics now include domestic, industrial applications, building products and art objects.
Their unique properties have played an important role in the progress of most civilizations. Ceramics are very hard although brittle. They resist very extreme temperatures without deformation. They are impervious to most chemicals. They do not conduct electricity, are relatively low weight for their mass, resist scratches, and are very smooth and durable.
For all these reasons, ceramics have been used in various types of industries for many years sometimes unexpectedly: from knife blades to watch cases, military industry (cockpits protection), car industry (ball bearings, ceramic engine which can run at a temperature of over 6000 °F), aerospace (space shuttle covering) and turbine engine construction. More recently, ceramics have been used in medical, (dental implants, orthopedic implant and synthetic bones) and electronic industries (semi-conductors)
In domestic applications, ceramics are a preferred material for cooking and baking. Their resistance to abrasion is a very interesting property shared by very few non synthetic materials. Ceramic diffuses the heat very slowly and in a very homogeneous way. It also retains heat for a long time. Well manufactured bakeware and ceramic casseroles can go directly from freezer or refrigerator to all heat sources without fear of cracking or crazing … They are more lightweight and easier to maintain than cast iron. Their smooth finish is pleasant to the eye and the touch and they can be manufactured and decorated with a multitude of colors and glazes.
From France to China, throughout the world, ceramic is the rare material that has lent itself to ancient art forms as well as cutting edge technology.
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