ABSTRACT

Ceramics refer to polycrystalline materials and products formed by baking natural clays and mineral admixtures at a high temperature and also by sintering oxides of various metals and inorganic substances having high melting point. Clay is the most common example of ceramic materials. On the basis of their internal structure the ceramics are classified as clay products, refractories and glasses. Refractories confine the heat and prevent the heat loss to the atmosphere from the outside walls of furnances. Glass is the most common material glazed into frames for doors, windows and curtain walls. The most common types used in building construction are sheet, plate, laminated, insulating, tempered, wired and patterned glass. The main constituent of ceramic materials is silicate: Portland cement, glass, tiles, vitreous enamels, reinforcing glass fibres, etc. Thermal capacity, conductivity and resistance to shocks need to be considered while using a ceramic. Ceramic materials have no free electrons so they have low electrical conductivity.