SEM Image, typical structure of advanced ceramics (partially stabilized zirconia)
Three Groups of Materials: Oxide Cermaics, Non-Oxide Ceramics, Silicate Ceramics
Ceramic materials are covering a broad spectrum of properties. The latter is the rationale for mainfold uses of advanced ceramics. Commonly, three groups of advanced ceramics are discriminated by their chemical composition. Common characteristic of all ceramic materials is the crystalline framework of constituents, thereby differing from amorphous glasses. HiPer Ceramics has available a wide standard range of ceramic materials with dense and porous structure.
Components from different ceramic materials
Oxide Ceramics
Typical members: Alumina, zirconia, magnesia, silica e.g. Components made from oxide ceramics endure very high temperatures in oxidising and reducing atmosphere. They are highly wear resistant and exhibit excellent corrosion resistance. Known are electrical insulating as well as conducting oxide ceramics. Thermal conductivity of oxide ceramic materials ranges from very poor to excellent.
Non-Oxide Ceramics
Typical members: Silicon nitride, alumium nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum titanate, Non-oxide ceramics usually show excellent thermal shock resistance. This group of advanced ceramics is characterised by their good wear and corrosion resistance. Under vacuum or inert atmosphere conditions non-oxide ceramics withstand extremely high temperatures. Typically, nitrides and carbides exhibit excellent thermal conductivity. In contrast, aluminum titanate is a very good thermal insulator.
Silicate Ceramics
Typical members: Mullite, steatite, cordierite, porcelain, glass ceramics
Silicate ceramics are a heterogeneous group of materials with very specific properties. Materials with an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion can be found, as well as excellent isolators and corrosion resistant types.
Porous Ceramics
Virtually all previously described advanced ceramic materials can be provided with porous structures ranging from microscopic (sub-micron to nano scale pores) to macroscopic pore sizes (several mm pore diameters). Components made from such porous advanced ceramics have large specific surface areas, are semipermeable or lightweight e. g., therefore addressing specific applications.
