Introduction
In the ceramic industry, there are significant differences between traditional ceramics and advanced ceramics. These differences are not only reflected in the material properties, but also determine their respective application areas and market value. This article will give you a deep understanding of these two types of ceramics.
Definition of Traditional Ceramics and Advanced Ceramics
Traditional Ceramics
Traditional ceramics have a history of thousands of years, dating back to the Neolithic Age. It is a silicate product made of natural clay as the main raw material, which is formed, dried and fired. Common traditional ceramics include building ceramics and daily-use ceramics.
Advanced Ceramics
Advanced ceramics are a new type of ceramic material developed in the mid-20th century, also known as “technical ceramics”, “fine ceramics”, or “industrial ceramics”. It uses artificially synthesized ultra-fine high-purity powder as raw material and is prepared through precision control technology. It has special properties that traditional ceramics cannot match.
The Main Differences Between Traditional and Advanced Ceramics
The main differences between traditional and advanced ceramics lie in their raw materials, manufacturing processes, performance characteristics, and application areas.
Raw Materials
The raw materials for traditional ceramics mainly come from natural minerals such as clay, quartz, and feldspar. They are mainly silicates and contain a large amount of impurities (such as Fe2O3, CaO, etc.). They have general chemical stability and may undergo phase transformation or decomposition at high temperatures.
Advanced ceramics use artificially synthesized ultra-fine powders, such as oxide ceramics (Al2O3, ZrO2, etc.) and non-oxide ceramics (such as SiC, Si3N4, AlN, etc.). Their raw material costs are higher, but their performance is controllable, such as through doping modification (e.g., Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2) to enhance toughness.
Traditional Ceramics Vs. Advanced Ceramics
Manufacturing Processes
Traditional ceramics are mostly formed by grouting, slurry molding or mud plastic molding. It usually does not require additional processing after high-temperature firing. However, the manufacturing of advanced ceramics is more complicated. Its common forming methods include dry pressing, hot pressing, isostatic pressing, tape casting, extrusion and injection molding. And it may require additional post-sintering processing to achieve ultra-high precision and performance optimization.
Properties and Applications
Through the comparison in the table below, we can clearly see the key differences between traditional ceramics and advanced ceramics in terms of properties and applications.
| Property | Traditional Ceramics | Advanced Ceramics |
| Raw Material | Clay, quartz, and feldspar | Synthetic powder (e.g., Al2O3, ZrO2, etc.) |
| Purity | Containing a high amount of impurities | Usually with high purity |
| Manufacturing Process | Simple forming, firing at 800-1200℃ | Precision forming, sintering at 1400-2000℃ |
| Precision Machining | Not suitable | Suitable |
| Microstructure | Coarse grains and many pores | Small grains and dense structure |
| Mechanical Strength | Low, brittle | Very high, some comparable to metal |
| High Temperature Resistance | Limited | Excellent |
| Application | Daily-use ceramics such as tableware and tea sets, architectural ceramics such as tiles and bathroom fixtures, and craft ceramics. | Used in extreme environments, high-precision applications, or special functions (such as semiconductors and medical implants). Typical application areas include the electronics industry, medical field, aerospace, and new energy. |
Conclusion
Traditional ceramics and advanced ceramics each have their own unique value and scope of application. Traditional ceramics, with their economic advantages and mature manufacturing processes, continue to play an irreplaceable role in daily life and basic industries. Advanced ceramics, on the other hand, with their outstanding performance, have become key materials supporting the development of high-tech industries.
FAQs
Q1: How are ceramics classified by use?
A: Ceramics can be divided into four categories based on their use:
- Daily-use Ceramics: Mainly used in daily life, such as tableware and tea sets, and must comply with food contact material safety standards.
- Architectural Ceramics: Used in architectural decoration and structures, including tiles, bathroom fixtures, and drain pipes, they offer high strength and wear resistance.
- Advanced Ceramics: Featuring unique physical and chemical properties, they are used in electronics, machinery, and chemical industries, such as alumina ceramics and silicon carbide ceramics.
- Craft Ceramics: A comprehensive art form based on ceramic materials that integrates craftsmanship with artistic creation. It encompasses diverse techniques such as sculpture, painting, and glazing, combining both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Examples include China’s blue-and-white porcelain, UK’s bone china, and Japan’s Ruri glaze.
Hope this brief introduction helps you understand the classification of ceramics!
Q2: Do advanced ceramics exhibit “creep” behavior like metals at high temperatures?
A: Yes, but to different degrees and through different mechanisms. Advanced ceramics also creep at very high temperatures near their melting point, but their creep resistance is generally far superior to that of superalloys. This is one of their key advantages in the hot section of aircraft engines.
Q3: Can ceramic components be reliably bonded to metal? What solutions are available?
A: Yes. Common and reliable connection methods include:
1. Brazing: Using an active brazing filler metal to form a strong metallurgical bond with the ceramic surface.
2. Adhesive Bonding: Using high-performance epoxy or silicone adhesive, suitable for non-high-temperature applications.
3. Mechanical Fastening: Using clamping, cladding, and other designs to avoid direct threading on the ceramic.
Q4: In terms of corrosion resistance, are advanced ceramics superior to special alloys such as Hastelloy?
A: In most corrosive environments of strong acids, strong alkalis and molten metals, the corrosion resistance of advanced ceramics (especially alumina, zirconia and silicon nitride) far exceeds that of the best specialty alloys, with no risk of intergranular corrosion and a longer service life.
Q5: In the field of dentistry, why is zirconia (ZrO2) the preferred ceramic material for dental implants?
A: Because of its high toughness, high strength, excellent biocompatibility (no rejection reaction) and low thermal conductivity. In addition, its milky white appearance is very close to natural teeth, and the aesthetic effect is excellent.
Q6: What are ceramic matrix composites (CMCs)? Are they more advanced than advanced ceramics?
A: CMCs are composite materials that incorporate fibers (such as carbon fibers and SiC fibers) within a ceramic matrix. While not necessarily “more advanced,” they address the core pain point of monolithic ceramics: brittleness. CMCs possess metal-like toughness and are immune to catastrophic fracture, making them a core material for the next generation of aircraft engines and brake systems.
Q7: Are advanced ceramics environmentally friendly?
A: They are very environmentally friendly throughout their lifecycle. They are non-toxic, chemically inert, and do not pollute the environment. Their excellent wear resistance and long lifespan reduce resource consumption. In the energy sector (fuel cells, lithium batteries), they are key materials for achieving green energy.
Q8: Can 3D printing technology be used to manufacture advanced ceramic parts?
A: Yes, and it’s currently a hot research topic. Ceramic 3D printing (such as stereolithography (SLA) and binder jetting) can produce complex geometries that are impossible with traditional methods, making it ideal for prototyping and low-volume customization. However, its strength and density are generally lower than those of parts produced through traditional molding and sintering.
