Technical ceramics are not a single material, but a family of advanced ceramics with diverse properties tailored for specific functions. In automotive applications, the selection depends on whether the component requires thermal insulation, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, or electrical insulation. Understanding the types of technical ceramics helps engineers make the right material choices for high-performance and safety-critical parts.
The table below summarizes the most commonly used technical ceramics in the automotive industry, along with their key characteristics and representative applications:
|
Ceramic Type |
Key Properties |
Typical Automotive Applications |
|
High hardness, electrical insulation, corrosion resistance |
Sensor substrates, spark plug insulators, ECU components |
|
|
High toughness, thermal shock resistance, chemical stability |
Oxygen sensors, thermal insulation, fuel system parts |
|
|
High thermal conductivity, hardness, and lightweight |
Brake discs, exhaust filters, thermal plates |
|
|
Excellent thermal conductivity, electrical insulation |
Power electronics, battery insulation, LED modules |
|
|
Cordierite |
Low thermal expansion, thermal shock resistance |
Catalytic converter substrates, DPF filters |
|
Titanate Ceramics |
Dielectric properties, thermal stability |
Capacitor materials, high-frequency electronics |
|
Lubricity, thermal conductivity, and electrical insulation |
Heat sinks, battery separators, electronic insulation |
