Introduction to Ceramics

Abstract

The term “ceramics” represents both man-made and manufactured non-metallic inorganic solid materials. The name comes from keramos (clay used by potters, objects made of clay), which originated from keramikos (of clay, of pottery) or keramikos in Greek. Heat treatment has been typically used for ceramic “manufacturing” since ancient times. Therefore, ceramics is the term used to express ceramic products such as pottery and porcelain products made by high-temperature processing in furnaces. The term also indicates technologies and the science utilized to manufacture these products. The majority of potteries, porcelains, refractories, cement and glass have been made from silicate-based natural materials since early times, and these products are sometimes called traditional ceramics or classical ceramics. The terms “traditional” or “classical” do not necessarily indicate that the technologies are outdated. Both traditional ceramics and classical ceramics have been evolving with social needs and the incorporation of the latest technologies.