What elements are found in ceramics?

Answer 1

Ceramics are classified as materials that are formed in the presence of high heat and display non-metallic properties. Many synthetic ceramics contain high amounts of aluminum oxide, zirconium dioxide, carbides (CaC2, SiC2, etc), borides (B12As2), nitrides (GaN, TiN), cilicides (KSi, CsSi), Barium titanate (BaTiO3), and Titanium Carbide (TiC - used on the tiles on the space shuttle for reentry). Natural Ceramics formed from clay contain kaolinites (Al2Si2O5(OH)4), montmorillonites ((Na,Ca)0.33(Al,Mg)2(Si4O10)(OH)2·nH2O), illites ((K,H3O)(Al,Mg,Fe)2(Si,Al)4O10[(OH)2,(H2O)]), and chlorites ((Mg,Fe)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2(Mg,Fe)3(OH)6). Most ceramics are quite heterogeneous, comprised of a mixture of the some of the above compounds (ie a colloid).

Answer 2

The great majority of clay will be silicates (Si and O), plus water (H and O), if it is wet. Almost inevitably there will be iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na). There may also be any number of other metals and non-metals such as nitrogen (N) in minor or trace quantities.

Answer 3

The main component of clay is kaolin which is a molecule which contains silicon and other elements. It is of very small size. Vast quantities of kaolin have accumulated in deposits and are now mined for this product.

Answer 4

Non composite ceramics are usually metal oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides or silicides. Most metals are capable of forming stable ceramics.

Composite ceramics will be a mixture of oxides and non-oxides possibly with reinforcing fibres.

Answer 5

Ceramics are mainly composed of inorganic compounds, such as clay, silica, and alumina. Other elements commonly found in ceramics include feldspar, zirconium, and magnesium. These elements contribute to the characteristics of ceramics such as hardness, heat resistance, and electrical insulation.