Metallic, Ceramic, Cement and Glass Materials: Properties and Uses

Metallic, not mineral, materials. They are used in construction, along with ceramics and glass. Ceramic materials. Ceramic is the term that applies to objects made from clay. Mixed with water, the clay forms a plastic paste that hardens and becomes rigid when dried and fired. This process increases its stability if it is fired with some cooking pieces. Ceramics have very high resistance to temperatures and to the action of most chemical agents. They are fragile and may break easily under tension due to some holistic efforts. They are usually classified by their applications:

· Structural use: clay used in the manufacture of bricks and roof tiles.
· Pottery and object manufacture: easily moldable materials such as terracotta, majolica, faience and porcelain.
· Refractories: ceramics containing high silica that withstand high temperatures.

Construction materials. Cements stand out, a group of binding conglomerates that, mixed with water and aggregates of mineral stones, form a paste that hardens and becomes rigid. This phenomenon is useful for allowing structures to be easily built, strong and stiff. Completing the first step, we take care of what is called concrete. Cement, of the type used in Portland cement, consists of clay and limestone, with a small amount of dolomite.

Glass. A substance made from silica (SiO2), which is found in high temperatures along with cheap fluxes such as soda and phosphates. When amorphous, it is governed in a state called vitreous. When glass cools, it produces solids without crystallization. Heating it can return it to a liquid state, which is why it is very easily recyclable.

Applications. Glass is used to make all types of containers and laboratory instruments. Its electrical conductivity is low, so it is frequently used as an insulator.