ceramik

Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials that are typically crystalline or partly crystalline and glassy in nature. They are produced by shaping powders and firing them at high temperatures, which densifies the material and produces a rigid structure.

Traditionally, ceramics include pottery, bricks and tiles, as well as porcelain. They are generally categorized into three groups—earthenware, stoneware and porcelain—based on firing temperature and degree of vitrification. Ceramics may be glazed to create a glassy surface that improves durability and aesthetics. In modern contexts, advanced ceramics refer to high-performance oxides and non-oxides used in engineering and industry.

Manufacturing usually involves forming techniques such as hand-building, wheel throwing, slip casting, or pressing, followed by drying and a high-temperature sintering step. Glazing may be applied before the final firing. Firing temperatures vary by material: earthenware is fired at relatively low temperatures, while stoneware and porcelain require higher temperatures to achieve densification and translucency in some cases.

Properties of ceramics include high hardness and compressive strength, high melting points, low electrical conductivity, and good chemical resistance. They are often brittle and can be susceptible to failure from flaws or thermal shock, though some modern ceramics are engineered for improved toughness.

Applications span construction (tiles, bricks), household goods (tableware, sanitaryware), and industry (refractories, catalysts, cutting tools). In engineering, ceramic materials such as alumina, silicon carbide, and zirconia are used in bearings, dental implants, and aerospace components. Ceramics also enable coatings and ceramic matrix composites that enhance thermal and wear resistance.