How Are Ceramics Produced?

There are three types of ceramics, namely oxide ceramics, non-oxide ceramics and ceramic-based composites. Oxide ceramics are produced by using techniques of mineral processing to produce a concentrate of highly pure starting materials which are in the powdered form. This undergoes further processing to remove unwanted impurities.

In case of non-oxide ceramics, first the starting powders are prepared, then these starting powders are mixed and the final step is the formation and sintering of the final component. The third category of ceramics is known as ceramic-based composites.

Ceramic-based composites are basically a combination of two types of ceramics. There can be combinations of two oxide ceramics, combinations of two non-oxide ceramics or combinations of an oxide ceramic and a non-oxide ceramic. Ceramics can also combine with polymers to form ceramic-based composites. The possibilities are endless.