A ceramic crucible is a container or vessel made from heat-resistant ceramic materials designed to withstand extremely high temperatures. It is commonly used in laboratories, industrial processes, and metallurgy for melting, heating, or chemical reactions.

Key Features

High Heat Resistance:

Typically withstand temperatures above 1,000°C (1,832°F), depending on the ceramic composition.

Ideal for applications involving molten metals, glass, or chemical compounds.

Chemical Stability:

Resistant to chemical corrosion by acids, bases, and other reactive substances.

Suitable for handling a wide range of materials without degradation.

Thermal Shock Resistance:

Designed to endure rapid temperature changes without cracking or breaking.

Durability:

High mechanical strength and longevity in harsh environments.

Materials Used

Alumina (Al₂O₃):

High thermal stability and chemical resistance.

Commonly used in high-temperature applications like metal smelting.

Silicon Carbide (SiC):

Excellent thermal conductivity and strength.

Often used in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries.

Zirconia (ZrO₂):

Superior resistance to thermal shock.

Often utilized in high-precision applications.

Porcelain:

Generally used in educational and laboratory settings for moderate-temperature applications.

Applications

Laboratories:

Used for ashing, calcination, and high-temperature experiments.

Metallurgy:

Melting and refining of metals such as gold, silver, and aluminum.

Chemical Industry:

Conducting reactions requiring high temperatures and inert environments.

Glass and Ceramics Manufacturing:

Melting raw materials and testing product durability.

Shapes and Sizes

Ceramic crucibles come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the application:

Conical and Cylindrical: Common in laboratories.

Rectangular: Used for batch processing in industrial settings.

Custom Shapes: Tailored for specific industrial processes.

Care and Maintenance

Preheating:

Gradually heat the crucible to avoid thermal shock.

Cleaning:

Remove residues carefully using non-abrasive methods.

Storage:

Store in a dry, cool environment to avoid moisture absorption.