Kerámiaanyagok

Kerámiaanyagok, commonly translated as ceramic materials, are inorganic, non-metallic solids comprising metal, nonmetal, or metalloid atoms held in ionic and covalent bonds. These materials are typically formed by the action of heat, followed by cooling. The word "kerámia" itself originates from the Greek word "keramos," meaning potter's clay.

The fundamental properties of ceramic materials include high hardness, brittleness, high melting points, and excellent resistance to heat, abrasion, and corrosion. They are generally poor conductors of electricity and heat, though some specialized ceramics exhibit semiconducting or even superconducting properties. Their inertness makes them suitable for applications where chemical stability is crucial.

Ceramic materials can be broadly classified into traditional ceramics and advanced ceramics. Traditional ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, have been used for thousands of years in pottery, tiles, and sanitary ware. They are typically derived from naturally occurring raw materials like clay, feldspar, and quartz.

Advanced ceramics, also known as technical or engineering ceramics, are synthetic materials produced with precise control over their composition and microstructure. Examples include alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. These materials are engineered for specific high-performance applications in industries such as aerospace, electronics, automotive, and medicine. They are used in components like engine parts, cutting tools, insulators, and medical implants due to their superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.