Ceramic materials

Ceramic materials

1. general properties

   • Ceramic materials are made from clay, which is very abundant in nature. When clay is wet, it is both soft and pliable, so it can be shaped very easily

2. how ceramics materials are made

   • preparation
     • The clay is cleaned to eliminate plant material, then large chunks of clay are broken into smaller pieces by large rollers
   • mixing
     • The clay is mixed with water, colouring, temper and flux. some of the raw materials melt and acquire certain properties of glass.
   • shaping
     • The clay is shaped into its final form. Factory-made ceramics are typically shaped by moulds, presses or extruding machines.
   • drying
     • The clay is dried to eliminate water. In factories, this process takes place in heated tunnels, using recirculated air.
   • firing
     • This is done in special ovens called kilns at temperatures between 700ºC and 1700ºC, depending on the type of clay that is being used.
   • decoration
     • After objects have been fired, they can be decorated and finished with different types of glaze.

3. clasification of ceramix materials

   • coarse ceramics
     • terracotta
     • refractory ceramics
     • earthenware
   • fine ceramics
     • stoneware
     • porcelain