Chapter 1: Introduction

A ceramic material is an inorganic and non-metallic solid material that is composed of metal, non-metal and metalloid atoms bound by covalent or ionic bonds. The ceramic materials can range from crystalline and semi-crystalline to amorphous (glass) depending on the ordering of the structure. Generally, the ceramic materials have a high melting temperature, poor thermal and electrical conductivities, high hardness and low ductility. Also, the ceramic materials are lighter (less dense) than metals and heavier than polymers. They normally possess high thermal resistance, but low resistance for heat shock. Because most elements and types of bonding, and all range of crystallinity can comprise the ceramics materials, a lot of materials such as oxide, nitride and carbide materials are included in this category. Accordingly, the ceramic materials have been employed in a wide range of applications, such as in the manufacturing of bricks, tiles, dishes and vases…