Main Categories of Ceramics
- Earthenware
- Stoneware
- Porcelain
Ceramics are materials made from clay and natural ingredients. They are shaped and heated to high temperatures to make them strong.
Characteristics of Earthenware
- Oldest and most common type of ceramic
- Can have an ivory look
Ceramic Properties and Types
- Clay has silica like glass
- Ceramics lack metals and organics
- The Greek word for clay gave us ‘ceramic’
- Examples are silica in glass and alumina in abrasives
Types and Applications of Ceramics
- Traditional ceramics use low temperatures and natural clays
- Advanced ceramics used in tiles, bricks, plates, glass, and toilets
Historical Background and Techniques
- History dates to prehistoric pottery
- Shaping clay and water then hardening by heat
- Early uses were vessels, containers, decorations
- Basic techniques include throwing, hand building, slip casting, jiggering
Ceramic Strength and Finishing
- Earthenware is brittle but can be waterproofed with glaze
- Stoneware is stronger
Examples of Ceramic Materials
- Earthenware
- Stoneware
- Porcelain