Ceramics

What are they? A ceramic is: an inorganic, nonmetallic solid prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. Ceramic materials may have a crystalline or partly crystalline structure, or may be amorphous (e.g., a glass).

Cement/Concrete 7.5 cubic kilometres p/a Clay Limestone Chemical Percentage in cement tricalcium silicate 50% dicalcium silicate 25% tricalcium aluminate 10% tetracalcium aluminoferrite gypsum or hydrated calcium suphate 5%

Pottery Pottery is made by forming a clay body into a required shape and heating it to high temperatures in a kiln which induces reactions that lead to permanent changes including increasing their strength and hardening and setting their shape. 

properties of ceramics strong brittle hard insoluble insulators resistant to chemicals

Experiment1 - Polymer Clay A pseudo – ceramic Follow the instructions to make your polymer clay

Experiment2 – Natural Cement “Natural” cements are produced by burning argillaceous limestones at moderate temperatures. It sets much faster than ordinary portland cement. Follow the instructions to investigate the setting and make a natural cement bar

Experiment 3 – carbonation of concrete As it ages, cement (or concrete) absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere. It permeates in from the outside and can be recognised by the structural and chemical changes involved. Follow the instructions to investigate the carbonation of some concrete.

Experiment 4 – porosity of ceramics Most ceramics are resistant to water, but not all of them. Follow the instructions to investigate the absorption of water by some common ceramics

Experiment 5 – resistance to acids Many ceramics are resistant to acid, but not all of them. Follow the instructions to investigate the effect of dilute acid on some common ceramics