Technical ceramics and refractories applications and volumes literature review

Abstract

Refractories are ceramic materials with high melting point and can withstand stress at high temperatures. They are important materials for large industries with high temperature processes. Technical ceramics are modern day ceramics with applications focused more on technical and medical applications. This thesis examines the markets, production volumes and applications of refractories and technical ceramics. The main goal is to collect and analyse market data to find different factors that have an impact on these markets. This thesis is divided to three parts. Basic information about the ceramic industry is first explained in the text. Refractories and technical ceramics are discussed in more detail in the following sections. These sections include market values and production volumes of these ceramic materials, their applications in the biggest end-user industries and future industry forecasts. Future forecast sections review the latest industry trends and new technologies in the industry. The sources used in the study contain literature on materials science, international trade statistics, market reports and reports from companies and associations in the industry. As a result of this thesis, information on the values and volumes of refractory materials and technical ceramic markets was obtained. Market data and industry associations’ reports made it possible to draw conclusions about the factors affecting the market for refractory ceramics and technical ceramics. In addition, this thesis presents current trends, new technologies and the current situation of these industries.