Ceramic Material

At first it might seem strange to define this, but it is not as obvious as it seems. In ceramics the concept of a material is different for different people. To a purchasing agent it is a commodity. To a geologist it is a mineral or mix of minerals. To a mining crew it is a stockpile of rocks or clay. To a processing department it presents a set of challenges to grind, separate, purify, size and package. To a production department it is a powder that makes up part of the recipe of a glaze or clay body. To a lab technician materials have a physical presence that can be tested and the results of these tests can be expressed on a data sheet. Labs can also deduce the chemistry of a material. But to a glaze chemist, a material is also a warehouse of oxides. He/she assesses the materials physical and chemical contribution to determine how to use it in a formulation. Recipes thus become 'material independent', the oxide needs can be supplied from whatever materials are at hand.

Out Bound Links

• (Library) Oxides and Materials in INSIGHT

  The first chapter of the INSIGHT software manual s...

In Bound Links

• (Project) Ceramic Materials Overview

  The study of ceramic materials is at the center of...