MTT 2203

Introduction to Ceramic Technology

Home Work Assignment – 01

H.D.T.N.RANAWEERA
ENT/2020/132
1273
Department of Materials Technology
Faculty Of Technology
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Why are crystal defects important in ceramics ?
Crystal flaws are relevant in ceramics because they can have a big impact on the
performance and characteristics of ceramic materials. Since ceramics are
frequently crystalline materials, they may contain flaws both during the

crystallization process and during processing and manufacturing.

An example of a defect is a point defect, which contains substitution impurities,

interstitials (additional atoms), and vacancies (missing atoms) (foreign atoms
that replace a regular atom). Ceramics' mechanical, electrical, and thermal
properties may be impacted by these point flaws. For instance, vacancies can
improve electrical and thermal conductivity whereas interstitials might make
them worse. The color, hardness, and other characteristics of ceramics can be

impacted by substitution impurities.

A line defect, such as dislocations, is another kind of flaw that can alter the
mechanical characteristics of ceramics. Ceramics can become more ductile and
deform plastically as a result of dislocations, but they can also fracture and break

under stress.

Defects can also have an impact on how ceramics are processed and produced.
For instance, flaws might impact the sintering procedure, which involves heating
ceramic powders to high temperatures in order to create a thick, solid substance.
Depending on their type and location, defects can either restrict or accelerate
sintering. For designing and enhancing the characteristics and performance of

ceramic materials, it is crucial to comprehend and manage crystal flaws.

A line defect, commonly referred to as a dislocation, is another kind of flaw in

ceramics. They happen when the crystal structure is out of alignment, resulting in
an out-of-place line of atoms. Ceramics' mechanical characteristics can be
changed by dislocations, either increasing ductility or decreasing brittleness.
Dislocations, for instance, can make some ceramics more resilient by enabling

the absorption of energy during fracture development.

Ceramics properties how change with the change of

defects?
Ceramics are a type of inorganic, non-metallic solid material that is typically
made by heating or firing a mixture of minerals or other materials at high
temperatures. Like all materials, ceramics can have defects that may affect their
properties. Here are some examples of how ceramics properties can change with

different types of defects:

1) Porosity: When ceramics have pores or voids in their structure, it can affect
their strength, stiffness, and thermal properties. Porous ceramics are generally
weaker and more brittle than dense ceramics, and they can also have lower

thermal conductivity.

2) Cracks: Cracks in ceramics can reduce their strength and toughness. This is
because the stress concentration at the tip of the crack can cause the ceramic to

fracture more easily under load.

3) Inclusions: Inclusions are foreign materials that are trapped within the ceramic
during processing. These inclusions can create stress concentrations and reduce

the mechanical properties of the ceramic.

4) Grain boundaries: Ceramics are made up of grains, and the boundaries

between these grains can have a significant effect on their properties. For
example, grain boundaries can affect the thermal conductivity, electrical
conductivity, and mechanical properties of ceramics.