Ceramic Materiel

Ceramic Materiel

Ceramic materials are inorganic, non-metallic materials made from compounds of a metal and a non-metal. Ceramic materials may be crystalline or partly crystalline. They are formed by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. Ceramic materials tend to be strong, stiff, brittle, chemically inert, and non-conductors of heat and electricity.

Uses

• It is used in making knives and ceramic knives are sharper than steel knives. Though they are brittle, their blades are more durable.
• Ceramics like alumina and boron carbide are used as "Small Arms Protective Inserts"
• Steel can be replaced by ceramic balls in ball bearings. Due to their hardness they have a longer lifetime. Their electrical insulating capacities are also valuable in bearings but a major drawback is their high cost.
• Ceramic engines can be used in laboratories due to their high fuel efficiency and they do not need any cooling system. However mass production is not possible because cracks can easily develop in ceramics which may result in dangerous equipment failure.
• Nowadays bio-ceramics are made which include synthetic bones and dental implants.
• High tech ceramic is also employed in making watch cases.