What are the 3 types of ceramics?

Ceramics is the general term for pottery and porcelain. The Chinese invented pottery as early as about 8000-2000 BC (Neolithic Age). Ceramic materials are mostly oxides, nitrides, borides and carbides. Common ceramic materials are clay, alumina, kaolin and so on. Ceramic materials generally have higher hardness, but poor plasticity. In addition to the use of tableware and decoration, it also plays an important role in the development of science and technology. The raw material of ceramics is obtained by quenching the earth's original large resource clay. The nature of clay is tough, it can be molded when exposed to water at room temperature, it can be carved when it is slightly dry, and it can be ground when it is completely dry; it can be made into pottery and can hold water when it is fired to 700 degrees; . The flexibility of its usage still has various creative applications in today's culture and technology.There are many different types of ceramics, but they can generally be divided into three categories: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Each of these types has unique characteristics that make it ideal for specific applications.

Earthenware

Earthenware is the oldest and most common type of ceramic. It is made from a mixture of clay and other materials such as quartz, feldspar, and talc. The clay used in earthenware is usually rich in iron oxide, which gives it a reddish-brown color when fired. Earthenware is fired at a relatively low temperature, usually between 800 and 1000 degrees Celsius.

One of the key characteristics of earthenware is its porousness. This makes it ideal for making items such as flower pots, tiles, and tableware. The porousness of earthenware also makes it easier to decorate with glazes, which can be absorbed into the surface of the clay. Earthenware can be glazed in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a popular choice for decorative items.

Terracotta is a kind of earthenware, which is often made into terracotta flowerpots, terracotta vases, terracotta mug and so on.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is fired at a higher temperature than earthenware, usually between 1200 and 1300 degrees Celsius. This higher firing temperature makes stoneware denser and less porous than earthenware. Stoneware is made from a mixture of clay, feldspar, and other materials such as quartz and kaolin.

Stoneware is known for its strength and durability. It is often used to make items such as plates, bowls, and mugs that can withstand daily use and wear. Stoneware is also popular for making decorative items such as vases and sculptures. Like earthenware, stoneware can be glazed in a variety of colors and patterns.

Stoneware is generally made into regular products, such as stoneware plates, stoneware mugs, stoneware flower pots, stoneware vases and so on. It can also be made into special-shaped products, but the yield rate will be relatively low.

Porcelain

Porcelain is the most refined and delicate type of ceramic. It is made from a mixture of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz, and fired at a high temperature of around 1300 to 1400 degrees Celsius. Porcelain is known for its translucency, whiteness, and hardness.

Porcelain is often used for making fine tableware, decorative items, and art pieces. Its translucency makes it ideal for creating delicate and intricate designs, while its hardness and resistance to scratching make it a durable and long-lasting material. Porcelain is also a popular material for creating figurines and sculptures due to its ability to capture fine details.Porcelain is suitable for tableware products, porcelain plates, porcelain cups, porcelain bowls and so on.

Conclusion

Ceramics are an important material that has been used for centuries to create a variety of items, from everyday tableware to decorative art pieces. The three main types of ceramics – earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain – each have unique characteristics that make them ideal for specific applications. Earthenware is more suitable for flower pots and gardening products because of its high water permeability. Stoneware is between ceramics and porcelain, and can be used for decoration and tableware. Porcelain is more suitable for making tableware.