Advances in Functional Ceramics: How theyre helping to shaping our lives
Functional ceramics is one of the key materials that have allowed advances in technology over the past few decades. From medical applications to aerospace engineering, ceramics are essential in a huge range of specialized uses. This article will look at some of the most innovative and progressive uses of functional ceramics in modern-day products and processes, as well as looking at what the future holds for this material.
One of the first areas to benefit from functional ceramics was the medical industry. Advanced bio-ceramic materials are now widely used, particularly in orthopedics, for bone and joint replacements. These materials are designed to be strong and lightweight and allow for natural, safe movement. In addition, bio-ceramics can be used to repair cartilage and other soft tissues, which can restore full function to areas of the body that have been damaged.
Ceramics have also become a mainstay in the widely-used imaging processes of MRI, X-ray and CT scans. The MRI unit is made up mostly of ceramic parts, such as magnets and coils, and ceramic components have allowed increases in scanning resolution and performance. Ceramics have also enabled a whole range of new medical diagnostics, including PET scans and ultrasound.
Functional ceramics are being used in a range of sectors, including aerospace engineering. Many of the parts and components of space probes and rockets are made using advanced ceramic materials. Even parts that require extremely high temperatures and strength can be produced and machined using ceramics. Composite materials, such as carbon ceramic composites, are also being used to build aircraft engines and space shuttles, enabling them to function in harsher environments.
Functional ceramics can also be found in everyday applications. Many modern cookware systems are produced using advanced ceramic materials, with their superior heat conduction properties allowing greater efficiency and accuracy when cooking. The same properties also make them ideal for ovens, as well as other appliances. In addition, special properties such as non-stick coatings and easy clean surfaces are made possible through the application of ceramics.
Functional ceramics are also playing a major role in industrial processes, with their high temperatures tolerance leading to improvements in efficiency. One example of this application is in the steel manufacturing process, where skimmed ceramic crucibles are being used to increase metal production and subsequently speed up the manufacturing process.
The future of functional ceramic materials is now looking brighter than ever. From medical applications to industrial processes, ceramic materials are proving to be versatile and durable, and they are sure to play a bigger role in shaping our lives. New technologies such as 3D printing and materials engineering are also making advancements in ceramic technology easy, and cheaper to produce. There is no doubt that functional ceramics will be an important part of our future, and their potential is only just beginning to be explored.
