Ceramic Materials - Properties

Physical properties of ceramics including specific gravity, thermal conductivity, strength measurements, and other mechanical properties for common ceramic materials.

MaterialSpecific Gravity (SG)Coefficient of Linear Expansion α (m/m K)Max Safe Operating Temp (°C)Thermal Conductivity k (10⁻³ cal/cm·sec·°C)Tensile Strength σ (psi)Compressive Strength σ (psi)Flexural Strength σ (psi)Modulus of Elasticity E (10⁶ psi)
Porcelain2.2 - 2.45.0 - 6.54004 - 51500 - 250025000 - 500003500 - 60007 - 10
Alumina Porcelain3.1 - 3.95.5 - 8.11350 - 15007 - 508000 - 300008000 - 2500020000 - 4500015 - 52
High-Voltage Porcelain2.3 - 25.55.0 - 6.810002 - 53000 - 800025000 - 500009000 - 150007 - 14
Zirconia Porcelain3.5 - 3.83.5 - 5.51000 - 120010 - 1510000 - 1500080000 - 15000020000 - 3500020 - 30
Lithia Porcelain2.3 - 411000——600008000—
Cordierite Refractory1.6 - 2.12.5 - 3.012503 - 41000 - 350020000 - 450001500 - 70002 - 5
Alumina Silicate Refractory2.2 - 2.45.0 - 7.01300 - 17004 - 5700 - 300013000 - 600001500 - 60002 - 5
Magnesium Silicate2.3 - 2.811.512003 - 5250020000 - 300007000 - 90004 - 5
Steatite2.5 - 2.78.6 - 10.51000 - 11005 - 68000 - 1000065000 - 13000016000 - 2400013 - 15
Forsterite2.7 - 2.9111000 - 11005 - 108000 - 1000060000 - 10000018000 - 2000013 - 15
Titania/Titanate Ceramics3.5 - 5.57 - 10—8 - 104000 - 1000040000 - 12000010000 - 220000.3 - 0.5

Material Descriptions

  • Porcelain: A ceramic material made by heating selected and refined materials often including clay in the form of kaolinite to high temperatures.
  • Cordierite: A crystalline magnesium aluminosilicate.
  • Steatite: Also known as soapstone or soaprock, is a metamorphic rock, a talc-schist. It is largely composed of the mineral talc and is rich in magnesium.
  • Forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄): The magnesium rich end-member of the olivine solid-solution series.

Notes

For thermal conductivity conversion, refer to the Thermal Conductivity Calculator.