Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech IV SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF CERAMICS Previous Question Paper (March - 2021 - R16)

Ceramics are broadly classified based on their application, chemical composition, and processing methods. The primary classification divides them into traditional and advanced (engineering) ceramics.

The classification flow sheet is as follows:

• Ceramics
  • Traditional Ceramics
    • Clay products (Bricks, tiles, pottery)
    • Refractories (Fire bricks, crucibles)
    • Glass (Soda-lime, borosilicate)
    • Cements (Portland cement, hydraulic binders)
    • Abrasives (Natural abrasives)
  • Advanced Ceramics
    • Oxide Ceramics (Alumina, Zirconia, Magnesia)
    • Non-Oxide Ceramics (Carbides, Nitrides, Borides)
    • Composite Ceramics (Ceramic matrix composites)

Traditional Ceramics are primarily based on naturally occurring raw materials like clay, silica, and feldspar. They are typically produced in large volumes and are used in construction, domestic applications, and industrial refractory linings. Their properties are generally dictated by the mineralogy of the starting clays and firing temperatures.

Advanced Ceramics, also known as technical or engineering ceramics, are synthesized from high-purity, man-made chemical compounds. They are processed under strictly controlled conditions to achieve specific mechanical, thermal, electrical, or optical properties. These materials are essential for high-performance applications such as aerospace components, electronic substrates, cutting tools, and biomedical implants.

The distinction between these two categories lies in the purity of raw materials, the precision of the manufacturing process, and the intended functional performance. While traditional ceramics focus on bulk properties and cost-effectiveness, advanced ceramics are engineered for extreme environments and specialized technological functions.