1. Oxide Ceramics
Alumina Ceramics (Al₂O₃):The most common industrial ceramic, with an Al₂O₃ content between 75% and 99.9%. It has high hardness and good insulation, and is used in mechanical seals, electronic substrates, and cutting tools.
Zirconium Oxide Ceramics (ZrO₂):High toughness (2-3 times that of alumina in fracture toughness), wear-resistant, used in dental restorations, bearings, and mobile phone back panels.
Beryllium Oxide Ceramics (BeO):High thermal conductivity, used for heat dissipation in high-power electronic devices, but toxicity issues must be considered.
2. Non-Oxide Ceramics
Silicon Carbide Ceramics (SiC):High temperature resistance and strong thermal shock resistance, used in high-temperature kiln linings and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Silicon Nitride Ceramics (Si₃N₄):Combines high strength and thermal shock resistance, used in turbine rotors and bearing balls.
Aluminum nitride ceramic (AlN): High thermal conductivity and insulation, making it the preferred material for LED substrates and integrated circuit packaging.
3. Composite Ceramics
Properties are enhanced by adding metals, fibers, or other ceramics, such as carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramic (C/SiC), used in space shuttle thermal protection systems.