Ceramic testing - Characterization and testing of ceramic materials and components
Ceramic testing
CerCheck, we test and analyze your technical ceramics!
The application behavior of ceramic components is determined by their mechanical and thermal properties, chemical and mineralogical composition and microstructure. Our investigations always include an evaluation which helps you to interpret the results or to optimize the processes. We can simulate and qualify the application behavior of your material or component numerically and experimentally in advance. And if damage should ever occur, we will clarify the cause for you and help you to take preventive measures for the future.
In our laboratory, we offer you comprehensive testing facilities for high-performance ceramics. Of particular importance to us is the ceramic structure as the result of a process:
- the production of a component – from raw material to shaping and sintering,
- the interaction with melts or gases in use
- the mechanical and/or thermal load during application.
To evaluate the microstructure, we use our scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
For the mechanical characterization we have different methods of strength testing and hardness testing at our disposal.
Since many applications are performed at high temperatures, we also perform various tests at high temperatures: Thermal elongation, hot bending strength, hot abrasion and thermal shock resistance.
Quality control of ceramic products
The expectations in ceramic products are very high, not least because of the price. Already of great importance is the monitoring of the raw materials used, their preparation as powder mass by grinding, mixing, spray-drying and addition of additives. The subsequent shaping takes place for example by casting, pressing, extruding or mechanical processing. The final step is sintering, in which the focus is on setting a defined microstructure. All this leads to end products with defined shapes, strengths, porosities, chemical resistance, etc. We accompany you!
Damage analysis technical ceramics
The technical use of ceramics is usually where other materials such as metals or plastics have already reached their limits. Under these extreme application conditions, damage can occur, the causes of which are often very complex. We can help you to find the cause, especially by means of REM/EDX examinations. Central questions that we clarify are:
- Did the material comply with the specifications in the data sheet?
- Did the operating conditions meet the requirements described above?
- Were there any unusual events during the operation, e.g. temperature changes?
Simulation of technical ceramics to detect weak points
By using simulation, risks of the application should be minimized. We use experimental simulation to simulate application conditions such as the interaction of ceramics with melts, slags or gases in the laboratory. The resulting reactions can reveal weak points and give hints for an improvement. By numerical simulation we support you in the design of your component. Here we take into account the special properties of ceramic materials – shrinkage during sintering, brittleness, Weibull statistics, etc.