Subtopic 8.3: Ceramics (Form 4 Chemistry)

Subtopic 8.3 — Composition of Ceramics and Their Uses

Form 4 Chemistry

What Are Ceramics?

A ceramic is a solid made up of inorganic and non-metallic substances. Ceramics are produced through shaping and hardening using heat at high temperatures. They are typically made of metal compounds, non-metal compounds, or metalloid compounds.

Characteristics of Ceramics

Cute

Basic Properties of Ceramics

High thermal resistance

Heat insulator

Electrical insulator

Hard and strong

Brittle (breaks easily)

Chemically inert

The atoms in ceramics are bonded by strong covalent and ionic bonds, making them hard, brittle, and resistant to heat and chemicals.

Traditional Ceramics

Made from clay such as kaolin (Al₂O₃·2SiO₂·2H₂O)
Mixed with water and shaped, then heated at high temperature
Used to make bricks, pottery, bowls, and crockery

Advanced Ceramics

Made from inorganic compounds such as oxides, carbides, and nitrides
More resistant to heat, abrasion, and chemicals
Examples: silicon carbide (SiC), titanium carbide (TiC)
Used in brake discs, cutting discs, tungsten carbide rings

Examples of Ceramic Compounds

Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃) Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Silicon Carbide (SiC) Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)

Applications of Ceramics

Medicine

Zirconia ceramic for dental implants
Alumina ceramic for knee bone replacement
Used in MRI machines (superconductivity)

Transportation

Engine components in jet planes

Energy Production

Electrical insulators in high-voltage areas such as power stations