What Are Some Things Ceramics Make?

“Ceramics are defined as inorganic, non-metallic solids that are subjected to high temperature in manufacture and/or use. The most common ceramics are composed of one or more clay minerals, quartz, and feldspar. Ceramic materials are brittle, hard, strong in compression, weak in shearing and tension. They withstand chemical erosion that occurs in other materials subjected to acidic or caustic environments.” (AP-42, CH 11.7: Ceramic Products Manufacturing)

Ceramics are made from a wide variety of materials and using many different manufacturing processes. As a result, ceramics are used in a wide array of products including tableware, cookware, artware, tiles, electrical insulators, biomedical implants, and automotive components.

Tableware

Ceramics are commonly used to create tableware items like plates, bowls, cups, and saucers. These items are a staple in most kitchens and dining areas thanks to ceramics’ durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic qualities.

Plates are one of the most ubiquitous tableware items made from ceramics. They provide a sturdy, flat surface for holding and presenting foods of all kinds. Ceramic plates can be made from various clays and come glazed or unglazed. They are inexpensive to produce, unlikely to warp or bend, and come in endless shape and style options from simple round dinner plates to ornate decorative plates.

Bowls are another essential tableware item frequently made of ceramics. From small ramekins to large serving bowls, ceramic bowls provide versatile, durable options for preparing, serving, and eating foods. Glazed ceramic bowls are non-porous and easy to clean, while unglazed and terra cotta bowls offer a more rustic aesthetic. Unique handmade ceramic bowls can also double as decorative pieces.

Cups and saucers are a staple pairing in table settings worldwide. Ceramic cups provide heat insulation and durability, making them ideal for hot or cold beverages. Their impermeable nature also makes ceramic cups easy to clean. Cups can be paired with saucers, which offer a resting place between sips and help protect table surfaces from spills or drips. From dainty teacups to hearty mugs, cups and saucers are an indispensable tableware item produced from ceramic materials.

Cookware

Ceramics are commonly used to make pots, pans, and bakeware for cooking. Ceramic cookware offers a non-stick cooking surface that does not contain potentially harmful chemicals like PTFE or PFOA. Some key advantages of ceramic cookware include:

• Naturally non-stick surface that allows for low fat cooking
• Heats evenly and retains heat well
• Oven, stove top, and broiler safe up to high temperatures like 500°F
• Durable and scratch resistant
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Non-reactive surface won’t discolor or alter flavors

Popular ceramic cookware items include frying pans, saucepans, stock pots, bakeware sets, and full cookware sets. For example, the Beautiful 20pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set includes fry pans, saucepans, casserole pans, and more to equip a kitchen (https://beautifulbydrew.com/products/beautiful-20pc-cookware-set). Ceramic pots and pans are available in vibrant colors and sleek designs.

High quality ceramic cookware provides an alternative to traditional non-stick pots and pans made with Teflon or other chemical coatings. Ceramic surfaces stand up to daily cooking demands while remaining smooth and easy to clean. Cooks can sear, bake, fry, and more using durable ceramic cookware.

Artware

Ceramics offer a unique tactile and visual experience for artistic expression. Clay is highly workable and can be molded into intricate shapes and forms. When fired, the finished ceramic pieces are durable and permanent.

One major category of artware is ceramic sculpture. Clay is an ideal medium for sculptors to bring their creative visions to life. Sculptures can range from small decorative pieces to monumental installations. The flexibility of clay allows endless possibilities for sculptural form. Ceramic sculptures also have a timeless quality, as fired clay can last thousands of years if cared for properly.

Figurines are a popular type of ceramic sculpture. These are small statuettes representing humans, animals, mythical creatures, or other subjects. Ceramic figurines can capture fine details and expressive features. Historically, cultures around the world have produced ceramic figurines for religious, decorative, or other purposes. Today, ceramic figurines remain a beloved artform and collectible.

Sanitaryware

Sanitaryware refers to plumbing fixtures designed for hygiene and bathroom use. Ceramics are commonly used to manufacture sanitaryware due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetics. Some of the most common sanitaryware applications of ceramics include:

Toilets – Ceramic toilets have been used since ancient times. Modern toilets are predominantly made of vitreous china, a type of ceramic that is impermeable to water and resistant to stains. Ceramic construction allows toilets to withstand heavy usage.

Sinks – Ceramic and porcelain sinks are smooth, non-porous, stain resistant, and easy to clean. Ceramic bathroom sinks come in a wide variety of styles and can coordinate with other bathroom materials and decor.

Bathtubs – Cast iron and acrylic are also used, but ceramic and porcelain bathtubs are highly valued for beauty and durability. Their hardness and impermeability also make cleaning easier.

Tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most common and versatile uses for ceramic material. Ceramic tiles are widely used for covering floors, walls, countertops, and other surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the global ceramic tiles market size was valued at USD 227.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 320.5 billion by 2027, growing at 7.1% CAGR during the forecast period (source).

Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. They are made from clay that has been shaped and fired at high temperatures. The two main types of ceramic tiles are porcelain and ceramic. Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and more durable than regular ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are softer and more prone to scratches and moisture absorption (source).

Ceramic floor and wall tiles are popular because they are water-resistant, easy to maintain, and available in numerous styles. Smaller mosaic tiles are commonly used for backsplashes. Larger format tiles, like 12×24 inches, create a seamless look. Textured tiles add visual interest. Porcelain tiles are recommended for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms because of their strength, while ceramic tiles work well for walls and low-traffic zones.

Electrical

Ceramic materials are commonly used as electrical insulators due to their high resistivity. Porcelain and steatite ceramics composed of clays, quartz, and feldspar provide mechanical toughness and high dielectric strength for insulating wires and electrical components. According to the MIT News article “Engineers develop a new kind of shape-memory material,” researchers have developed shape-memory ceramics that change shape in response to electrical signals. These ceramics could enable new kinds of antennas, sensors, and transducers in electronics and devices.

Alumina ceramics have excellent dielectric properties and thermal conductivity, making them ideal for insulating substrates and packaging of integrated circuits and power electronics. Ceramic circuit boards can withstand higher temperatures and frequncies than traditional materials. Silicon carbide ceramics are also used for high-power electronic devices due to their thermal shock resistance.

Medical

Ceramic biomaterials are increasingly used in medical applications, especially dental implants and bone replacements. According to Biomaterials Market Size Worth USD 361.45 Billion, the global biomaterials market is expected to reach $361 billion by 2030, driven in part by growth in dental and orthopedic implants.

For dental applications, ceramic materials like zirconia and alumina are used to create strong, biocompatible tooth implants and crowns. Ceramics are preferred for their durability, aesthetic qualities, and resistance to wear. According to Yahoo Finance, the dental biomaterials segment accounted for over 30% of total biomaterials market revenue in 2024.

In orthopedics, ceramics like hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, and bioactive glass can be used to replace or repair bone. These ceramic biomaterials integrate with natural bone to stimulate growth and regeneration. They are often used for hip, knee, and spinal implants. The orthopedic biomaterials market is projected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Automotive

Ceramics are widely used in the automotive industry for applications such as spark plugs, catalytic converters, sensors, and engine components. Spark plugs provide the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in a gasoline engine. They contain an alumina ceramic insulator that prevents electricity leaking from the plug (https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/automotive-ceramics-market-103360). Ceramic spark plugs can withstand high temperatures and pressures inside the combustion chamber.

Catalytic converters utilize ceramic substrates coated with precious metals to convert harmful exhaust emissions into less hazardous gases. Ceramic substrates like cordierite provide a large surface area for the catalytic reactions to occur. The global automotive ceramics market size is projected to reach USD 2.11 billion by 2027, driven by tightening emission regulations that require more advanced ceramic catalytic converters (https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automotive-ceramic-market-127800594.html).

Ceramic components are also being used more frequently in automotive engines and other systems due to their high temperature capabilities, low thermal expansion, and resistance to wear and corrosion. By 2020, ceramic engine components are projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 0.3 million tons (https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/72943). Overall, ceramics enable improved fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and performance in automotive applications.

Conclusion

Ceramics are used to make a diverse range of products that are an integral part of our daily lives. From tableware and tiles to high-tech automotive and medical applications, ceramics provide unique properties that make them ideal for many uses. As summarized in this article, some of the major categories of ceramic products include:

• Tableware like plates, cups, bowls, and decorative items made from porcelain, bone china, stoneware, and earthenware.
• Cookware including pots, pans, bakeware, and specialty items made from materials like clay, ceramic nonstick, and enameled cast iron.
• Artware and decorative ceramics such as vases, figurines, and ceramic jewelry made by artisans, studios, and factories.
• Sanitaryware including toilet bowls, sinks, bathtubs, and tiles made from vitreous china and porcelain.
• Wall, floor, and countertop ceramic tiles used for home and commercial spaces.
• Technical ceramics like insulators, semiconductors, sensors, and other components used in electronics and electrical applications.
• Advanced ceramics for medical implants, labware, dental crowns, and medical devices.
• Ceramic components in automotive applications such as spark plug insulators, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converters.

With continued innovation in ceramic formulations and manufacturing techniques, ceramics will continue meeting diverse needs with their unique functional and aesthetic properties.