An Introduction to Ceramics and Refractories

This book covers the fundamental aspects of ceramics and refractories. All refractories are ceramics, but all ceramics are not refractories. The book classifies and describes these materials, and examines their availability in nature. It examines the availability of these materials in nature, how they are extracted from nature, and how some of these materials are synthesized, and explains their structure–property correlation. It also addresses how they are designed for various applications and more.

All Refractories Are Ceramics but Not All Ceramics Are Refractories

Ceramics and refractories cover a wide range of fields and applications, and their relevance can be traced as far back as 24,000 BC to the first man-made piece of earthenware, and as recently as the late 1900s when ceramics and ceramic matrix composites were developed to withstand ultra-high temperatures. Beginning with a detailed history of ceramics, An Introduction to Ceramics and Refractories examines every aspect of ceramics and refractories, and explores the connection between them. The book establishes refractories as a class of ceramics with high fusion points, introduces the fundamentals of refractories and ceramics, and also addresses several applications for each.

The book details applications for natural and synthetic ceramics, as well as traditional and engineering applications. It focuses on the various thermal and thermo-mechanical properties of ceramics, classifies refractories, describes the principles of thermodynamics as applied to refractories, and highlights new developments and applications in the ceramic and refractory fields. It also presents end-of-chapter problems and a relevant case study.

• Introduces and details the applications of ceramics and refractories
• Discusses the selection of materials and the two stages in selection
• Describes the phase equilibriums in ceramic and refractory systems
• Outlines the three important systems: unary, binary, and ternary
• Considers corrosion of ceramics and refractories, failures in ceramics and refractories, and the design aspects
• Addresses bonding, structures of ceramics, defects in ceramics, and ceramics’ microstructures
• Covers the production of ceramic powders starting from the raw materials
• Explains four forming methods
• Highlights three types of thermal treatments
• Defines mechanical properties, and thermal and thermo-mechanical properties
• Classifies materials and designates classes

Addressing topics that include corrosion, applications, thermal properties, and types of refractories, An Introduction to Ceramics and Refractories provides you with a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of refractories and ceramics, and presents a clear connection between refractory behavior and ceramic properties to the practicing engineer.