| We commonly think of ceramics as art objects | | | | parts and tiles on space shuttles. Ceramics play an |
| and decorations. But ceramics really are diverse | | | | important role in our everyday lives, even the |
| pieces of multi-purpose material that are made | | | | parts we can't see and don't give much thought |
| from burning formed pieces of pottery. This | | | | to. |
| shaped clay started out many years ago being | | | | Future Uses for Ceramics |
| hand-formed and was eventually made with a | | | | Scientists are just beginning to tap into the many |
| wheel to iron out any fingerprints or major | | | | uses for ceramic. The biggest area we expect to |
| imperfections. | | | | see growth in is how it will help in our life |
| Handmade ceramic is still made as an art form | | | | functions. It will be able to sense our needs and |
| today, even though it is no longer the industry | | | | deliver medicine as needed. It will be able to |
| standard for making objects. As a beginner you | | | | remove impurities from our drinking water. It will |
| would learn to mold, glaze and trim the clay to | | | | be used to replace bones such as hips, knees and |
| form objects. Uniquely painted, polished and | | | | shoulders. It will be able to replace diseased heart |
| decorated ceramic is always sought after. | | | | valves. The health benefits from using ceramic in |
| Developing your own style will come from | | | | the medical field are remarkable. |
| practice and experimentation. | | | | A common use for ceramic today is in the dental |
| Most ceramic materials, however, are now made | | | | field. Ceramic can be used to make fillings, |
| with precision using machines that do not rely at | | | | crowns, veneers, implants and brackets used for |
| all on the human touch. But it doesn't mean that | | | | holding braces in place. As an increasingly vain |
| this molded clay doesn't touch our lives. Modern | | | | society, ceramic will be used more often not only |
| developments have made it possible for | | | | for our dental needs, but to improve the look of |
| companies to create new and diverse products | | | | our teeth in general. |
| from the clay that can change how we do things | | | | Because of the remarkable electric, mechanic, |
| in the future. | | | | thermal, optical and magnetic abilities, ceramic |
| Well-Known Uses for Ceramics | | | | materials have numerous uses. The possibilities of |
| Most people are aware of the presence of | | | | how we use ceramic are literally endless. From |
| ceramics in their homes. It can commonly be | | | | the medical field to computer technology, ceramic |
| found in their art sculptures, dishes, platters and | | | | material has and will have a profound effect on |
| other kitchen wear, kitchen tiles and bathroom | | | | how we do things. It can really change the way |
| structures. It is functional and often beautiful. | | | | we live, how long we live and how well we live. It |
| Lesser-Known Uses for Ceramics | | | | will make our day-to-day life easier, increase our |
| What most people aren't aware of is how diverse | | | | technology and help us to live long, healthy lives |
| ceramic materials really are. They can be used for | | | | even when our natural body parts can no longer |
| almost anything. Ceramics are currently used for | | | | support us. |
| computers, tools, dental replacements, engine | | | | |