Ceramic Materials

The subject concerns the basic course in the Technology of Ceramic Materials.
The content of the course initially includes the presentation of ceramic materials, their classification and the presentation of the range of their applications. This is followed by the study of the manufacturing processes of ceramics with emphasis on the effect of process parameters (material quality, raw material preparation, shaping technique, thermal cycle) on the properties of the final product. Then, the methods of producing powders from chemical methods and the techniques for the development of ceramic coatings are analysed followed by the presentation of traditional ceramic products with emphasis on the manufacturing and properties of porcelain. Finally, the properties of especially important ceramic materials (alumina, zirconia, carbides) are presented and discussed.
During the semester, the students attend laboratory exercises and deliver the relevant reports for deepening into the subject and developing skills. The cooperation and the development of critical thinking are also encouraged.

  1. Introduction, Categories – Ceramics Microstructure-Applications.
  2. Advanced ceramics- Ttechnological requirements for mechanical, biological, chemical applications. Electronic ceramics.
  3. Ceramic Production Technologies – Flow Chart
  4. Preparation and characterisation of powders
  5. Shaping Techniques-Dry Methods
  6. Shaping Techniques-Wet Methods
  7. Principles/Mechanisms of sintering
  8. Sintering techniques
  9. Methods for the development of protective ceramic coatings-Thermal spraying techniques
  10. Thin Films-Manufacturing Technologies
  11. Composition of powders by chemical methods- Development of coatings
  12. Traditional ceramics – Porcelain
  13. Advanced Ceramics-Properties and Applications of Main Ceramics-Zirconia-Carbides