© Boardworks Ltd 20051 of 10

Product DesignCeramics

© Boardworks Ltd 2005

Product DesignCeramics

These icons indicate that teacher’s notes or useful web addresses are available in the Notes Page.

This icon indicates that the slide contains activities created in Flash. These activities are not editable.

For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.

1 of 10 © Boardworks Ltd 2005

© Boardworks Ltd 20052 of 10

Learning objectivesL

earn

ing

ob

ject

ives

© Boardworks Ltd 20052 of 10

To understand the processes and ingredients involved in making ceramics from clay.

To know the properties of clay.

To realize the impact that ceramics have had on the electronics industry.

To be familiar with different types of ceramics and their properties.

© Boardworks Ltd 20053 of 10

Most products made from clay or similar materials are grouped under the term ‘ceramics’.

Traditionally, clay pottery was made from clay dug from the ground and made rigid by ‘firing’ or baking in an oven. These pots were prone to cracking and damage because of the impurities and brittleness of the material.

However, modern clays are mined, dried and then mixed with other elements and water to get the exact properties required. We are able to use clay that is extremely malleable but also high in plasticity so that it can undergo the firing process in specialist ovens called kilns.

Which products can you identify in the room that have been made from ceramics?

Ceramics

© Boardworks Ltd 20054 of 10

Click on each symbol to learn about what is added to clay to make ceramics.

Ceramics

© Boardworks Ltd 20055 of 10

There are many types of ceramics but the majority are clay-based. Clay has many useful attributes:

It can be using a wide variety of processes while moist

It is very It can be re-used unless fired

It is relatively inexpensive

££

£

£$ $

$ $

However, clay does need to be glazed to stop moisture and liquids from passing through. This makes it difficult to use in

situations where the product comes intocontact with water.

Clay

© Boardworks Ltd 20056 of 10

Catalytic converters are made of cellular ceramics, which help convert harmful hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water.

Spark plugs used in cars, boat engines, lawnmowers, etc. are all made out of ceramic.

Ceramics in the electrical industry

Zirconia, a type of ceramic, makes very good wires. It is also used to connect fibre optic cables.

Different forms of ceramics can make excellent insulators, semiconductors, superconductors and magnets.

© Boardworks Ltd 20057 of 10

Clay process

© Boardworks Ltd 20058 of 10

Ceramics – different types

Click on the type of ceramic, its picture, firing temperature and properties to link them together.

© Boardworks Ltd 20059 of 10

Plenary

© Boardworks Ltd 200510 of 10

Key pointsK

ey p

oin

ts

© Boardworks Ltd 200510 of 10

Ceramics today are very varied because we now know which materials to add to create or enhance certain properties.

Clay is mined, dried, then mixed with minerals, elements and water to create ceramics.

Clay has many useful attributes but needs to be glazed to prevent water from seeping through.

Ceramics play a fundamental role in the electronics industry.

There are many different types of ceramics with widely ranging properties.