The difference between precision ceramics and traditional ceramics
Precision ceramics, also known as advanced ceramics, are products made from high-purity inorganic compounds through advanced processes. Through specific processes and strict composition control, precision ceramics have a naturally shiny surface and precise dimensions. Through high-temperature sintering, precision ceramics have obtained characteristics such as high strength, toughness, stiffness, and corrosion resistance. The special structure and chemical composition endow precision ceramics with various functions, such as conductivity, insulation, magnetism, magnetic conductivity, and other comprehensive functions. Precision ceramics can serve as semiconductors and play an important role in chemical and biological products.
Different raw materials
Traditional ceramics use unprocessed natural minerals such as clay, quartz, feldspar, etc. The raw materials for precision ceramics are high-quality synthesized powders, which is a breakthrough from traditional ceramic clay. Selected raw materials endow precision ceramics with more excellent quality and functionality.
Different structures
The structure of traditional ceramics is determined by the composition of clay. Ceramics from different origins have different textures. Due to the use of different raw materials, traditional ceramics often have more complex chemical structures and compositions. In addition, traditional ceramics contain a significant amount of impurities in both variety and quantity. The microstructure of traditional ceramics does not even have multiple pores. Therefore, the quality of traditional ceramic products is difficult to control. The chemical structure of precision ceramics is simple and clear, with high purity. In addition, precision ceramics are made from manually calculated components, which means that the raw materials are controlled. Therefore, the microstructure of advanced ceramics is generally uniform and fine.
Different manufacturing processes
Traditional ceramic minerals can be directly used for wet forming, such as plastic forming of slurry or injection molding of slurry. The product does not require further processing after sintering between 1652 ℉ and 2552 ℉. But dry forming and wet forming are only suitable for precision ceramics when organic additives are added to high-purity powder raw materials. Precision ceramics require more processing after firing at higher sintering temperatures, ranging from 2192 ℉ to 3992 ℉ depending on the material. From the perspective of preparation procedures, precision ceramics overcome the limitations of traditional ceramics. In addition, precision ceramics also apply many advanced technologies, such as vacuum sintering, protective atmosphere sintering, hot pressing, high temperature and constant pressure, etc.
Different functions
Due to the above differences, traditional ceramics and precision ceramics have different functions. Precision ceramics have better quality performance and new applications that traditional ceramics do not have. Traditional ceramic materials are mainly produced for daily use or as building materials. Precision ceramics have various physical and mechanical properties such as high strength, high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and thermal shock resistance. In addition, precision ceramics also have great potential for applications in heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, chemistry, biology, and other fields. To some extent, the performance of precision ceramics far surpasses that of modern high-quality alloys and polymer materials. Therefore, precision ceramics play a leading role in the new material revolution. Meanwhile, precision ceramics have wide applications in industries such as petroleum, chemical, steel, electronics, textiles, automobiles, as well as aerospace, nuclear energy, and military.
