12.106P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

How are the properties of high-tech ceramics the same as those of traditional clay ceramics, and how are they different? Refer to specific substances in your answer.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Ceramics are non-metallic solids that are hardened by high temperatures. It is a brittle and corrosive material.

Step 1: Definition

Traditional ceramics: These materials are made from naturally occurring materials such as natural rocks, minerals, clay, etc.

 

High-tech ceramics: These materials are made from high purity inorganic compounds through a series of specialized manufacturing processes. 

The common properties that both ceramics possess are their hardness, physical stability, extreme heat resistance, chemical inertness, biocompatibility, superior electrical properties, etc.

Step 2: Difference between both Traditional and High-Tech Ceramics

PROPERTIES	TRADITIONAL CERAMICS	HIGH-TECH CERAMICS
RAW MATERIALS	Natural minerals	Synthetic high-quality powder
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE	Complicated	Simple and clear
MANUFACTURING PROCESS	Need no more processing after sintering	Need more processing after sintering such as Vacuum sintering, protective atmosphere sintering, hot pressing, hot and high-temperature isostatic pressing, and so on.
USES	Mainly used for daily use or work as building materials	Used in many industries like petroleum, chemical, steel, electronics, textiles, and so on.