Properties

5.3 Mechanical properties

5.3.1 Density

The density [g/cm³] of technical ceramics lies between 20 and 70% of the density of steel. This presents the possibility of weight reductions, which is an advantage for moving parts in machine construction.
The relative density, d [%], has a significant effect on the properties of the ceramic. For this reason it can be important, for instance, for mechanical applications to achieve a density close to the theoretical figure without generating density gradients, in order to obtain the best possible mechanical properties.
On the other hand, relatively low densities resulting from uniform porosity can, for instance, have a positive effect on the ability to withstand thermal shock.

Figure 81: A guide to the bending strength and density of selected materials