People ask me this question every day: Do ceramic materials have a specific melting point?
Well, ceramic melting point varies broadly depending on the material composition. So, you are likely to find a broad temperature as a melting point for ceramic material.
For now, this may seem so ambiguous – But either way, this article will put this into a simple context that will be easy for you to understand.
Let’s start with the basics:
What is Ceramic Material?
The term ceramic material refers to a group of materials known for very distinct attributes;
- They do not have organic substances – that is they lack elements with the carbon-hydrogen bonds
- No metallic element
Now, this leaves us with only one option.
A material that may contain many other elements that are not limited to minerals, oxides, or any other compound – which defines ceramic material. The result is a material with exception properties ranging from:
- Durability
- Wear resistance
- Electrical insulation
- Thermal insulation to,
- Better strength
Furthermore, when evaluating ceramic materials further, you may classify them as traditional or modern. That is, from basic pottery to uniquely engineered materials for advanced applications.
In a nutshell, ceramic melting points will obviously vary depending on the type of element or material in question.
Therefore, in our next segment, we shall explore all possible options as far as the melting point of ceramic is concerned.
Examples of Ceramic Materials and their Melting Points
In the table below, we shall categorize these materials from the highest ceramic melting point to the lowest. This will make it easier for you to compare their melting points to other engineering materials.
Say, for example, you want to compare steel melting point, glass melting point, or any other material.
| Type of Ceramic Material | Melting Point of Ceramic Material (°C) | Other Remarks on the Ceramic Material |
| Tantalum carbide | · Tantalum carbide melting point is ≈ 3,880 | · Excellent thermal shock · An example of ceramic with an extremely high melting point · Common in most aerospace applications |
| Titanium carbide | · Titanium carbide melting point is ≈ 3,160 | · Has extreme strength and hardness · Best for cutting tools |
| Tungsten carbide | · Tungsten carbide melting point ≈ 2,870 | · Known for superior wear resistance and exceptional hardness · Popular for making cutting tools · Popular high-density ceramic material |
| Silicon carbide | · Silicon carbide melting point is ≈ 2,730 | · Popular for exceptional resistance to wear and chemicals · Best for cutting tools and other thermal processing applications |
| Porcelain | · Porcelain melting point is ≈ 1,927 | |
| Silica | · Silica melting point ≈ 1,710 | · Superior thermal shock · Common in aerospace and energy systems/applications |
| Bone China (Fine China) | · Melting point of Bone China is ≈ 1,670 | · An example of porcelain · This porcelain melting point varies depending on the material quality · Known for durability, and elegance · Common material for ornaments and dinnerware |
| Fire bricks | · Fire bricks melting point ≈ 1,540 to 2,200 | · Known refractory material · Characterized with low thermal conductivity · Suitable for kiln, furnace, or fireplace lining |
| Glass ceramics | · Melting point of glass ceramics is ≈ 850 to 1,723 | · Popular for high strength and toughness |
Other ceramic materials with their respective melting points are:
- Zirconia melting point – 2,700°C
- Aluminum Nitride melting point – 2, 200 °C
- Melting point of alumina – 2,045 °C
- Mullite melting point – 1,840°C
- Alumina Silicate melting point – 1,790°C
- Macor melting point – 800°C
Note: We have simply sampled a few ceramic materials to illustrate the variation in the melting temperature. Remember, there are thousands of ceramic materials available for many engineering applications.
Understanding Ceramic Temperature Limit
From the table above, it is quite clear that the melting point of ceramic can vary between 850 to over 3,000°C.
The truth is, that this ceramic temperature limit depends on the individual material composition. For instance, comparing the melting point of ceramic:
- Titanium carbide – 3,160°C, and
- Fire bricks – 1,540°C
Ideally, there is a distinct variation in material composition. Of course, the variation in the melting point determines the specific application requirement.
You can also learn more about the melting point of other materials such as aluminum, copper, titanium, bronze, calcium, graphite, magnesium, zinc, silver, lead, gold, iron, tungsten, brass, stainless steel, and tin.
Thermal Shock on Ceramic
Evaluating the melting point of ceramic is a key thermal property. Closely related to the melting point is thermal shock.
Although some ceramic materials may be resistant to thermal shock, others may shatter.
Unlike other materials such as metals or plastic that may deform to compensate for any possible thermal shock, the situation in ceramics is quite different.
As a brittle material, any sudden temperature change may cause ceramic to shatter. Therefore, before subjecting ceramic to thermal shock, it is important to know the material composition.
Of course, this is a common phenomenon even though most ceramic melting temperature is above 2000°C.
In addition to this, it will be critical to mention ceramic creep properties.
Even though the ceramic melting temperature is high, they may creep. In most cases, this phenomenon occurs when you subject ceramic to stress. Usually, this will only happen at extremely high temperatures.
FAQs
1. What Temperature can Ceramic Withstand?
It depends onthe ceramic material composition. Remember, silicon carbide begins to melt at about 2,730°C while titanium carbide is 3,160°C.
At the same time, aluminum fine ceramics begin to melt at 2, 000°C.
2. At What Temperature will Ceramic Crack?
Creep and cracks on ceramic materials are mainly due to stress. The two occur at varying temperatures depending on the ceramic material composition.
3. Why does Ceramic have a High Melting Point?
Most ceramics melt at extremely high temperatures. Although there are many factors attributed to ceramic high melting points, it is mainly due to the strong bonds alongside light atoms.
Additionally, they may experience high-frequency vibrations alongside small disturbances, which contribute to the high heat capacity.
4. Can Ceramic Break Due to Heat?
Yes. Sudden temperature changes may cause ceramic to crack or break.
5. Which Ceramic Materials have the Highest Melting Points?
High melting point ceramics are:
- Tantalum carbide melting point is about 3,880°C.
- Hafnium carbide melting point is approximately 3,958°C
These ultra-high temperature ceramics are common in special applications such as hypersonic vehicles. We can also refer to these materials as ultra-high temperature ceramics.
6. Can Ceramic Break in Freezer?
A sudden temperature change may cause undesirable stress on ceramic material which may cause some cracks.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that the term ceramic refers to a wide range of materials with varying elements and compounds. It is for this reason that the ceramic melting point varies broadly.
But even with these variations, most ceramic materials have a relatively high melting point.
