Page 5 - Module DMV20173

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

1.3.2 CERAMICS

1. Compounds containing metallic (or semi-metallic) and nonmetallic elements.
2. Typical nonmetallic elements are oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon.

3. For processing, ceramics divide into:
a. Crystalline ceramics – includes:
i. Traditional ceramics, such as clay (hydrous aluminum silicates).
ii. Modern ceramics, such as alumina (Al2O3).

b. Glasses – mostly based on silica (SiO2).

1.3.3 POLYMERS

1. Compound formed of repeating structural units called mers, whose atoms share
electrons to form very large molecules.
2. Three categories:
a. Thermoplastic polymers - can be subjected to multiple heating and cooling

cycles without altering molecular structure.
b. Thermosetting polymers - molecules chemically transform (cure) into a rigid
structure – cannot be reheated.
c. Elastomers - shows significant elastic behavior.

1.3.4 COMPOSITES

1. Composite material consisting of two or more phases that are processed

separately and then bonded together to achieve properties superior to its
constituents.
2. The phase of composite contains homogeneous mass of material, such as grains
of identical unit cell structure in a solid metal.

3. Usual structure of composite consists of particles or fibers of one phase mixed in
a second phase.
4. Properties depend on components, physical shapes of components, and the way
they are combined to form the final material.

4 DMV 20173