The properties of ceramic materials , like all materials , are dictated by the types of atoms present , the types of bonding between the atoms , and the way the atoms are packed together . This is known as the atomic scale structure . Most ceramics are made up of two or more elements . This is called a compound . For example , alumina (Al2O3) , is a compound made up of aluminum atoms and oxygen atoms .
The atoms in ceramic materials are held together by a chemical bond . The two most common chemical bonds for ceramic materials are covalent and ionic . For metals , the chemical bond is called the metallic bond . The bonding of atoms together is much stronger in covalent and ionic bonding than in metallic . That is why , generally speaking , metals are ductile and ceramics are brittle . Due to ceramic materials wide range of properties , they are used for a multitude of applications . In general , most ceramics are :
The atoms in ceramic materials are held together by a chemical bond . The two most common chemical bonds for ceramic materials are covalent and ionic . For metals , the chemical bond is called the metallic bond . The bonding of atoms together is much stronger in covalent and ionic bonding than in metallic . That is why , generally speaking , metals are ductile and ceramics are brittle . Due to ceramic materials wide range of properties , they are used for a multitude of applications . In general , most ceramics are :
- Hard
- Wear-resistant
- Brittle
- refractory
- Thermal insulators
- Electrical insulators
- non magnetic
- oxidation resistant
- Prone to thermal shock
- Chemically stable
Ceramics for engineering applications can be broadly into "traditional" and "new" materials . We define traditional materials as those produced from materials mined directly from the earth . The newer ceramic materials , those with well defined and controlled properties are produced from nearly chemically and phase pure starting materials . Accuratus is capable of working with most these material types .
