Ceramics are defined as non-metal, non-organic materials. Most of them are popular as silicas, silicates and so on, others are well known for a specific application such as the fire-retardant properties of aluminium trihydrate but are unknown for special characteristics such as the thermal behaviour of Al2O3 and some of them have "confidential" uses.
The technical ceramics are classified as oxide ceramics and non-oxide ones.
General properties and applications as polymer additives
The special ceramics are appreciated for their:
* High thermal conductivity
* Electrical insulation
* Lubricating properties for some of them
* Neutron radiation absorption for boron ceramics.
The possible limitations are:
* The cost. For example, the boron nitride powder prices are in the range of 90 €/kg up to 220 €/kg for small quantities and 60 €/kg up to 150 €/kg for quantities around 1 ton.
* The toxicity of, for example, the beryllium oxide powders when inhaled.
* Ceramics, thermal conductive and electrical insulating
* Metals, thermal and electrical conductive