Industrial Ceramic

Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic solids composed of metal or non-metal compounds that are shaped and hardened through high-temperature heating. Typically, they exhibit hardness, corrosion resistance, and brittleness. Traditional ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, are clay-based, with their properties influenced by clay composition, additives, and firing temperatures. Advanced ceramics, in contrast, are primarily composed of oxides, non-oxides, or their combinations.

Common oxides include Alumina (Al2O3). Non-oxides typically consist of Carbides, Borides, Nitrides, and Silicides, such as Boron Carbide (B4C), Silicon Carbide (SiC), and Molybdenum Disilicide (MoSi2).

Production processes begin with the careful mixing of fine material powders. Once shaped into a green body, it undergoes high-temperature firing (1,600–1,800°C), typically in an oxygen-free environment. This high heat enables the ceramic grains to bond, resulting in a strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant product, known as Sintering.

The Common Ceramic We Find In The Sealing Industry Includes:

• 95: Meaning 95% Aluminum Oxide With The Balance Mainly Silica.
• 5: Meaning 99.5% Aluminum Oxide With No Silica. A Small Amount Of Caesium Is Added To Control The Grain Size And Improve The Firing Characteristics.

Ceramic Is A Versatile Seal Face Material That Is Generally Inexpensive. It Is A Hard Material & Light To Touch, With A White Color. Ceramic Offers Excellent Wear Characteristics & Chemical Compatibility. Unlike Other Mechanical Seal Face Materials Though, It Cannot Handle Thermal Shocks. Ceramics Retain Heat When Equipment Is Not Operating, And General Start-Up Procedures Can Easily Crack This Seal Face Material. Ceramic, Like Silicon Carbide, Will Shatter/Crack If Contacted With Force Or Dropped.

Classification Of Ceramics Are Based On Their:

• Oxides
• Carbides
• Nitrides
• Sulfides
• Fluorides