04/11/2025
Advanced Ceramics industries' Status in india.
Akansha Sharma**, Saxena Mukul*, Sanjeet Kumarโโ & Sharma L.Kโ, CEO, Chairpersonโ India (NE) Chapter of The American Ceramic Society, Immediate Past Founder Chairperson of India Chapter of The American Ceramic Society , Past President (21 & 22) of the Indian Ceramic Society, Chief Scientist & Scientist in Charge (Ex) โ CSIRโ Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Khurja & Naroda Extension Centers
โข Mohomono Ceramic Development Organization, N.Delhi
โข Department of Ceramic Engineering & Technology, Bikoner Technical University, Bikoner
The Journey of Ceramics started from traditional cรฉramics and reached to Aerospace Ceramics tokay. First brick was made of dried clay in 7000 BC. First fired brick was made in 4000 BC. First brick with sumeric cuneiform writings was made in 2600 BC. The tower of Babylone is 2300 BC. Ishta r portal in Ba bylone was built by king in 600 BC.
Dรฉveloppement of Porcelaine wasp done in 800 AC in China. Introduction of PorceIaine manufacturing cameup in Europe i n 1600 AC . First application of nonโsilicate ceramics, refractories MgO and SiC started in 1900 AC. Introduction of the Boyer process for the manufacturing of olumino started in 1960 AC.
Discovery of supraconductivity in cuprate ceramics came up in 1986 AC. Alumina is the most widely used advanced ceramic material. It offers very good performance in terms of wear resistance, corrosion resistance and strength at a reasonable price. Its high percentage is beneficial in electronic products.
It has appIications in armor, semiconductor processing equipment pa rts, fa u cet disc vaIves, sea I s, electronic substrates and industrial machine components. Fused Silicon carbide is another advanced ceramic material. It has the highest corrosion resistance among all the advanced ceramic materials. It also retains its strength at temperatures as high as 1400 ยฐC and offers excellent wear resistance and thermal shock resistance. It has applications in armor, mechonica I seaIs, nozzles, silicon wafer polishing plates and pum p pa rts, etc.S ilicon nitrid e is another advanced ceramic material. It exceeds other ceramic materials in thermal shock resistance. It also offers an excellent combination of low density, high strength, low thermal expansion a nd good corrosion resistance and fracture toughness. It has applications in various aerospace and automotive engine components, papermaking machine wear surfaces, armour, and burner nozzles and molten metal processing parts. Zirconio is another advanced ceramic material. It has the highest strength and toughness at room temperature among all the advanced ceramic materials. The fine-grain size allows for extremely smooth surfaces and sharp edges.
It has applications in scissors, knifes, slitters, pump shafts, metalโforming tools, fixtures, tweezers, wire drawing rings, bearing sleeves and valves.Product wise if we look into Advanced Ceramics, it can be as use of tungsten ca rbide, aIuminum oxide, and cu bic boron nitride in manufacturing cutting tools. Computer memories of Magnetic ceramics. Nuclear fuels based on uranium oxide (UO2). Artificial teeth, Joints and bones, etc in BioโCera mics. Advanced cera mics components a re manufactured by High Purity & High Density materials. Products do not have Porosity, or if have as per the need then it is Controlled Porosity. Man ufa cturing needs Customized Cera mic Formulations, tailored / custom made to the application drawings. Manufacturing is done through customized formulations for specific applications. Cam rollers, turbocharger rotors, glow plugs, cylinder liners, seals, pistons, piston pins, Ceramic Piston Head and Rings, Ceramic Seal Assembly, valve and valve guides, fuel injection parts and various customs made components are manufactured from a wide selection of advanced ceramic materials as Engine Products. Seal, pump and valve products include alumina faucet discs, alumina and silicon corbide automotive water pump seals, alumina appliance seals, olumina Shafts and Valves, blood seals, zirconio containment Shells and various custom mode components made from a wide range of advanced ceramic materials. Ceramic knives (Y: ZrO2), Ceramic body armour plates (AI2O3, SiC), Ceramic Si3N4 bearing parts, Fibre Optic Connectors, Electrical Connectors, Nozzles & Filters are the exa mples of Advanced Ceramics. The Porsche Carrera GT's silicon carbide disk brake and Radial rotor made from Si3N4 for a gas turbine engine ore the Structure I Cera mic Parts. Hip implants are made of advanced ceramic raw materials. Advantages of Ceramics are Low friction, Biocompatibility & Compressive strength. Pressed and extruded parts of Alumina, Mullite and Zirconia for electronic applications are manufactured. Thick and thin Alumina Substrates, Ferrites cores and Microwave dielectric components are the best examples. Glassโ ceramic composites (Used to make windows, canopies, panels, and lenses because of their lightweight nature and higher heat resistance). Gas turbine ceramic components are used to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of power generation. YSZ pump components like Fuel injectors, mechanical seals for engines, rotor and stator are highly energy efficient.
Advanced ceramics can be utilized as encapsulating materials for phase change materials (PCMs) in TES systems. Ceramics offer excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Ceramics con be used to manufacture heat exchanger components for TES systems. Ceramics such as silicon carbide (SiC) and alumina (AI2O3) exhibit high thermal conductivity, allowing for efficient heat transfer between the storage medium and external heat sources or sinks. Some advanced ceramics can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for high-temperature TES applications. For example, silicon nitride (Si3N4) and silicon carbide (SiC) can be used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants for storing and releasing thermal energy at elevated temperatures. Advanced ceramics such as lithium ceramics (e.g., lithium garnetโbased materials) can be used as solid electrolytes in solidโstate batteries. Solid electrolytes offer advantages such as improved safety, higher energy density, and longer cycle life compared to liquid electrolytes. Ceramics with high ionic conductivity are particularly desirable for enhancing battery performance. Ceramics can be employed as separator materials in lithium-ion batteries and other electrochemical energy storage devices. Ceramic separators provide thermal stability, mechanical strength, and enhanced safety compared to conventional polymeric separators. Additionally, ceramic separators can prevent dendrite formation and improve battery longevity. Some advanced ceramics, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and tin oxide (SnO2), have been investigated for their potential use as electrode materials in energy storage devices. These ceramics can offer high stability, fast charge-discharge rates, and large specific surface areas, contributing to improved battery performance. Advanced Ceramics are commonly used as dielectric materials in capacitors and supercapacitors. Advanced ceramic materials like barium titanate (BaTiO3) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) exhibit high dielectric constants, allowing for the storage of large amounts of electrical energy. Ceramics can also offer high breakdown strength and low dielectric losses, contributing to the efficiency of capacitive energy storage devices. Certain ceramics, including transition metal oxides like ruthenium oxide (RuO2) and manganese dioxide (MnO2), can be utilized as electrode materials in super capacitors. These ceramics can provide high specific capacitance, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical stability, leading to improved energy storage performance. Ceramics possess excellent thermal stability and can withstand high temperatures without degradation. This property makes them suitable for highโtemperature energy storage applications, such as molten salt thermal energy storage systems used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Ceramics can be employed as containment materials for molten salts or as structural components within the storage system, ensuring long-term performance under extreme thermal conditions. In battery and capacitor applications, ceramic coatings can be applied to electrode materials and current collectors to enhance their performance and durability. For example, ceramic coatings can improve the stability of lithium metal anodes in lithium-metal batteries, preventing dendrite formation and enhancing battery safety. Similarly, ceramic coatings on current collectors con reduce corrosion and improve the conductivity of electrodes, leading to more efficient energy storage devices. Ceramics can serve as electrolyte membranes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). These fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy and require stable, ion-conducting electrolytes to facilitate the transport of ions (e.g., oxygen ions in SOFCs, protons in PEMFCs). Ceramics such as yttriaโstabilized zirconia (YSZ) and doped perovskite oxides exhibit high ionic conductivity at elevated temperatures, making them suitable for use as electrolyte membranes in fuel cells.
Nano-ceramics, which consist of ceramic nanoparticles or nano-composites, can offer unique properties that are advantageous for energy storage applications. For instance, nano-ceramic materials can exhibit improved mechanical strength, enhanced surface area, and tailored electrical or thermal properties compared to their bulk counterparts. These properties can be harnessed to develop next-generation energy storage devices with higher performance and efficiency. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) consist of fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix, offering superior mechanical properties such as high strength, stiffness, and toughness. CMCs can be employed in energy storage systems as structural components or as reinforcement materials for lightweight and durable enclosures. For example, CMCs can be used in flywheel energy storage systems to fabricate high-strength rotors capable of storing and releasing energy efficiently. Advanced ceramics can be employed as electrode materials in lithium-based batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithiumโsulfur batteries. Ceramics like lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) have been investigated as anode materials due to their high lithiumโion conductivity, excellent cycling stability, and safety features. These ceramics can enhance the performance and lifespan of lithium-based batteries, contributing to longerโlasting and safer energy storage solutions.
Ceramics possess excellent electrical and thermal properties, making them suitable for highโpower energy storage applications. In systems requiring rapid energy storage and discharge rates, such as electric vehicles and grid-scale power systems, ceramics can be utilized to improve performance and efficiency. Ceramic components can withstand high currents, maintain stability under dynamic operating conditions, and contribute to faster charging and discharging processes. Advanced ceramics exhibit high chemical stability and resistance to degradation in harsh environments, which is advantageous for long-term energy storage applications. Whether used in batteries, capacitors, or thermal energy storage systems, ceramics can maintain their structural integrity and performance over extended periods, ensuring reliable operation and minimal maintenance requirements. Many advanced ceramics are environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. They can be sourced from abundant natural resources and processed using energy-efficient methods. Ceramics are inherently inert and non-toxic, reducing the environmental impact associated with energy storage technologies. By incorporating advanced ceramics into energy storage systems, it's possible to develop more sustainable solutions that align with environmental goals and regulations. Advanced ceramics can facilitate the miniaturization and integration of energy storage devices into compact and portable systems. With their high mechanical strength and thermal stability, ceramics enable the design of smaller and lighter energy storage components, making them suitable for applications such as wearable electronics, medical implants, and IoT devices. Ceramics can also be integrated into complex systems with multiple functionalities, enhancing overall device performance and efficiency. Ceramics offer long-term reliability and durability, making them ideal for energy storage systems intended for continuous operation over many years. Whether subjected to cyclic charging and discharging, high temperatures, or corrosive environments, ceramics maintain their performance characteristics and structural integrity, ensuring consistent energy storage capabilities throughout their lifespan.The existing literature provides extensive information on the applications of ceramic materials in energy storage, which is further enhanced by detailed insights into current technological trends. Knock sensors, Oxygen sensors, Exhaust gas catalysts, Silicon nitride parts for automotive engines, Ceramic cam rollers, Fuel injector pumps, Valve discs for high-pressure injection systems, Fuel pump rollers, Filters, Modules for thermal insulation, and Catalytic converters in the engine compartment are just many important Advanced ceramic parts/ components for electric vehicles. Catalyst carriers for removing pollutants from car exhausts, Turbochargers, Brake discs, Alumina shafts and bearings, are used in electric water pumps (EWP) for temperature control of the engine and battery components to ensure optimum performance and longevity. These pumps are being favored in hybrid and full electric vehicles as well as petrol/diesel stop-start vehicles, and are considered to be more efficient than their mechanical counterparts. Bearings for electric buses and commercial vehicles are made in SiC. Here, pumps continue to run smoothly without lubrication. Advanced Ceramics in space has very important role. Alumina substrates, wear resistance coatings, radomes, Speciality glass, wear resistance tiles, and so many products are the cause of the success of space crafts, shuttles, and satellites. Internationally, a few manufacturers of radome (e.g., Raytheon and Ceradyne USA) use silicon nitride radomes for high speed missiles. Space Technology is going to propel India's Development to great levels. To foresee an opportunity... dream about it... give shape to the same... by taking risks... and finally succeeding in the mission, calls for a genius with a missionary spirit. Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, a shining star in the Indian Space Industry, is one such remarkable personality. Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri is a technologist and an entrepreneur with extensive experience in Indian Space Program for over four decades.
Nano-ceramics, which consist of ceramic nanoparticles or nano-composites, can offer unique properties that are advantageous for energy storage applications. For instance, nano-ceramic materials can exhibit improved mechanical strength, enhanced surface area, and tailored electrical or thermal properties compared to their bulk counter parts . These properties can be harnessed to develop next-generation energy storage devices with higher performance and efficiency. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) consist of fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix, offering superior mechanical properties such as high strength, stiffness, and toughness. CMCs can be employed in energy storage systems as structural components or as reinforcement materials for lightweight and durable enclosures. For example, CMCs can be used in flywheel energy storage systems to fabricate high-strength rotors capable of storing and releasing energy efficiently. Advanced ceramics can be employed as electrode materials in lithium-based batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithiumโsulfur batteries. Ceramics like lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) have been investigated as anode materials due to their high lithiumโion conductivity, excellent cycling stability, and safety features. These ceramics con enhance the performance and lifespan of lithium-based batteries, contributing to longerโlasting and safer energy storage solutions.
Ceramics possess excellent electrical and thermal properties, making them suitable for highโpower energy storage applications. In systems requiring rapid energy storage and discharge rates, such as electric vehicles and grid-scale power systems, ceramics can be utilized to improve performance and efficiency. Ceramic components can withstand high currents, maintain stability under dynamic operating conditions, and contribute to faster charging and discharging processes. Advanced ceramics exhibit high chemical stability and resistance to degradation in harsh environments, which is advantageous for long-term energy storage applications. Whether used in batteries, capacitors, or thermal energy storage systems, ceramics con maintain their structural integrity and performance over extended periods, ensuring reliable operation and minimal maintenance requirements.Many advanced ceramics are environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. They can be sourced from abundant natural resources and processed using energy-efficient methods. Ceramics are inherently inert and non-toxic, reducing the environmental impact associated with energy storage technologies. By incorporating advanced ceramics into energy storage systems, it's possible to develop more sustainable solutions that align with environmental goals and regulations. Advanced ceramics can facilitate the miniaturization and integration of energy storage devices into compact and portable systems. With their high mechanical strength and thermal stability, ceramics enable the design of smaller and lighter energy storage components, making them suitable for applications such as wearable electronics, medical implants, and IoT devices. Ceramics can also be integrated into complex systems with multiple functionalities, enhancing overall device performance and efficiency.Ceramics offer long-term reliability and durability, making them ideal for energy storage systems intended for continuous operation over many years. Whether subjected to cyclic charging and discharging, high temperatures, or corrosive environments, ceramics maintain their performance characteristics and structural integrity, ensuring consistent energy storage capabilities throughout their lifespan.The existing literature provides extensive information on the applications of ceramic materials in energy storage, which is further enhanced by detailed insights into current technological trends. Knock sensors, Oxygen sensors, Exhaust gas catalysts, Silicon nitride parts for automotive engines, Ceramic cam rollers, Fuel injector pumps, Valve discs for high- pressure injection systems, Fuel pump rollers, Filters, Modules for thermal insulation, Catalytic converters in engine compartment are so many important Advanced ceramic parts/ components for electric vehicles. Catalyst carriers for removing pollutants from car exhausts, Turbochargers, Brake discs, Alumina shafts and bearings, Are used in electric water pumps (EWP) for temperature control of the engine and battery components to ensure optimum performance and longevity. These pumps are being favored in hybrid and full electric vehicles as well as petrol/diesel stop-start vehicles and are considered to be more efficient than their mechanical counterparts. Bearings for electric buses and commercial vehicles are mode in SiC. Here pumps continue to run smoothly without lubrication. Advanced Ceramics in space has very important role. Alumina substrates, Wear resistance coatings, Radoms, Specialty glass, Wear resistance tiles and so many products are the cause of success of space crafts, shuttles, satellites. Internationally, a few manufacturers of radome (e.g., Raytheon and Ceradyne USA) use silicon nitride radomes for high speed missiles. Space Technology is going to propel India's Development to great levels. To foresee an opportunity... dream about it... give shape to the same... by taking risks... and finally succeeding in the mission, calls for a genius with a missionary spirit. Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, a shining star in the Indian Space Industry, is one such remarkable personality. Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri is a technologist and an entrepreneur with extensive experience in Indian Space Program for over four decades.
Advanced Ceramics in India & Challenges:
Premier Indian Co manufactures 1.00 to 1.50 Lakh Seal Rings/ day. This is the production capacity of a midโsized company in China. Higher capacity is more exceptional than the norm. There is a big challenge of nonโ availability of indigenous Raw Materials like Calcined Alumina. There is hig h level of imports apa rt fro m one indigenous manufacturer. There is almost 98% import of Reactive Alumina. There is no local source of Zirconia to compete the Asian / European imports. Think of Bioโceramics, think HAP
/ TCP, there is a High Level of imports. Startโup is struggling to get the higher volumes. There is Higher Cost of Operations due to unโcontrolled fuel prices & local electricity tariffs. There is non โavailability of skilled mon power and automatic processing machines. Quality of b inputs special chemicals, is a challenge. It's very difficult to introduce new valueโadded processes like HIP. Need of the hour is Create and support new materials and domestic HAP / TCP. We need to create and innovate on products through 3D Printed Bone Grafts and bioโ resorbable implants, Battery Separator in EV Batteries โ replace PP with reliable ceramics and sustainability products to lower the carbon footprint / reduce climate change. We need to create domestic awareness for creating robust domestic consumption.
We need to concentrate on thermal energy firing cost. We need to utilize Technologies, utilize Market Access to increase the market reach. It looks very simple but see the role Quartz crystal to maintain the time precisely in watch.
Silica is the backbone of high-speed internet. Alumina is the King of ceramics. Silicate Glasses were common, but now NonโSilicate glosses ore spotlighted as the most promising materials in diverse high technology fields such as Electronics, Information Processing & Communications, Space & Ocean Development, Energy, Biotechnology & medical Science and Sensors.
Low Soda Alumina, Sinter active Alumina, Micro Crystalline Alumina, Mac ro Crystalline Alumina and Medium Crystalline Alumina are all very difficult to get in best quality except import. Semiconductor industry innovations โ High speed, large memory, Lithium ion batteries, and compact computers augment human capabilities to control and manage a space flight vehicle; Development of advanced digital imaging sensor technology for data capture and ion engines for micro satellites and long range space flight are the new developments in Space Industry as per Mr Tim Dyer, President, Elcon Precision Inc, Son Jose, USA.
Corning, Coorse Tek, Morgan, CeromTek, Murata, Applied Ceramics, Blasch Precision, Materion Corporation, McDanel Advanced Materials, Momentive Performance, Rouschert, 3M and Imerys etc ore the industrial players in Asia in Advanced/
The Industrial Ceramics field. Market in Asia is growing very fast, whereas industrial players are very less. Market growth expectations are as given below โ Further he says that the Indian Market is very exciting. It offers lot of opportunities for a company like us, and we look forwa rd to working with Indian Customers & Suppliers. Building the space economy in low earth orbit is a unifying priority and this is reliant on constancy of purpose, as we move towards Moon, Mars and beyond. Technologies like Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics will have a lasting and positive impact on the Space Industry. Amazon announced a partnership to set up the first device manufacturing line in India. Nokia starts production of 5G equipment in India. Nokia was the first to manufacture 5G new radio (NR) in India and is now producing the Nokia Air scale Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (Mmimo) solution, which is already being exported to several countries that are at an advancedstage of 5G developments.
Kyocera, Anderman Industrial Ceramics, Eian Technology, Khyati Ceramics, Saint Gobain, Industrial Ceramic Products Inc., Advanced Industrial Ceramics (AIC), Carborundum Universal Limited, CM Cera, A6โนB Industrial Ceramics, Schaefer Industrial Ceramics and Chinese Companies, Himson Ceramics, NTB High Tech, Jyoti Ceramics, Ravi Kiron Works, Indiana Technical Cera mics and Genโ Next Sustainable Technologies.
We can conclude that Advanced Ceramics Industry set up in India needs lot of work to progress in future.
