ISO 20507
(Main)Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Vocabulary
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies terms and associated definitions which are typically used for fine ceramic (advanced ceramic, advanced technical ceramic) materials, products, applications, properties and processes. This document also contains those abbreviated terms which have found general acceptance in scientific and technical literature; they are given together with the corresponding full terms and definitions or descriptions. In this document, terms are defined using the term ‘fine ceramic’. The definitions apply equally to ‘advanced ceramics’ and ‘advanced technical ceramics’, which are considered to be equivalent. This document does not include terms which, though used in the field of fine ceramics, are of a more general nature and are also well known in other fields of technology. NOTE Terms and definitions of a more general nature are available in ASTM C 1145-2019, EN 14232 and JIS R 1600.
- Status
- Not Published
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 206 - Fine ceramics
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 206/WG 1 - Terminology/Classification
- Current Stage
- 6000 - International Standard under publication
- Start Date
- 18-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 26-Sep-2026
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Overview
ISO 20507: Fine Ceramics (Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Technical Ceramics) - Vocabulary is an international standard developed by ISO/TC 206. This document provides precise definitions for terms used throughout the field of fine ceramics, also known as advanced ceramics or advanced technical ceramics. It covers a comprehensive range of terminology, including materials, products, applications, properties, and processes specific to this specialized industry. By standardizing vocabulary, ISO 20507 promotes clear communication, enhances collaboration, and supports innovation in scientific, industrial, and commercial settings.
Key Topics
The ISO 20507 standard delivers authoritative definitions and descriptions in the following areas:
- General Terms: Standard terms for describing fine ceramics, their essential characteristics, and types (such as bio-ceramic, machinable ceramic, nanostructured ceramic).
- Forming and Processing: Vocabulary related to production methods, including sintering, calcining, casting, chemical vapor deposition, and forming composite materials.
- Properties and Testing: Definitions for key material properties - for example, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and thermal characteristics - relevant to design, engineering, and quality assurance.
- Material-Specific Terms: Clarifies terms for various fine ceramics, such as oxide ceramics, non-oxide ceramics, piezoelectric ceramics, superconducting ceramics, and composites like ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and cermets.
- Abbreviations and Synonyms: Recognizes widely accepted abbreviations and alternate terms to foster international consistency.
Applications
Standardized ceramic terminology plays a critical role in many sectors where material performance is essential. Practical applications of ISO 20507 include:
- Technical Documentation: Ensures consistent definitions in product datasheets, patents, research papers, and manuals.
- Product Development: Guides designers and engineers in specifying fine ceramics or composites for electronics, automotive, medical, aerospace, and environmental industries.
- Quality Control and Testing: Enhances the reliability and reproducibility of measurements and certifications by using harmonized descriptions and property definitions.
- Procurement and Trade: Minimizes misunderstandings in procurement, contracts, and international trade by using standardized naming conventions for advanced ceramic materials and components.
- Education and Training: Facilitates clearer instruction in academic and vocational settings by providing a vetted vocabulary for teaching future professionals.
Related Standards
ISO 20507 specifically targets terms exclusive to the fine ceramics sector. For terms of broader technological usage, users are encouraged to consult additional references:
- ASTM C1145: Standard Terminology of Advanced Ceramics.
- EN 14232: Provides further definitions relevant to ceramics in the European context.
- JIS R 1600: The Japanese Industrial Standard for fine ceramics vocabulary.
Additionally, the ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia are valuable resources for terminology harmonization across technical fields.
Keywords: ISO 20507, fine ceramics, advanced ceramics, ceramic vocabulary, ceramic matrix composites, ceramic processing terms, advanced technical ceramics, standard terminology, ISO/TC 206.
By adopting ISO 20507, organizations and professionals ensure clarity, precision, and international alignment in the rapidly advancing field of fine ceramics.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 18-Nov-2023
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ISO/PRF 20507 - Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Vocabulary
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 20507 is a draft published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Vocabulary". This standard covers: This document specifies terms and associated definitions which are typically used for fine ceramic (advanced ceramic, advanced technical ceramic) materials, products, applications, properties and processes. This document also contains those abbreviated terms which have found general acceptance in scientific and technical literature; they are given together with the corresponding full terms and definitions or descriptions. In this document, terms are defined using the term ‘fine ceramic’. The definitions apply equally to ‘advanced ceramics’ and ‘advanced technical ceramics’, which are considered to be equivalent. This document does not include terms which, though used in the field of fine ceramics, are of a more general nature and are also well known in other fields of technology. NOTE Terms and definitions of a more general nature are available in ASTM C 1145-2019, EN 14232 and JIS R 1600.
This document specifies terms and associated definitions which are typically used for fine ceramic (advanced ceramic, advanced technical ceramic) materials, products, applications, properties and processes. This document also contains those abbreviated terms which have found general acceptance in scientific and technical literature; they are given together with the corresponding full terms and definitions or descriptions. In this document, terms are defined using the term ‘fine ceramic’. The definitions apply equally to ‘advanced ceramics’ and ‘advanced technical ceramics’, which are considered to be equivalent. This document does not include terms which, though used in the field of fine ceramics, are of a more general nature and are also well known in other fields of technology. NOTE Terms and definitions of a more general nature are available in ASTM C 1145-2019, EN 14232 and JIS R 1600.
ISO 20507 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.040.81 - Glass and ceramics industries (Vocabularies); 81.060.30 - Advanced ceramics. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO 20507 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 20507:2022. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ISO 20507 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
International
Standard
Fourth edition
Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics,
advanced technical ceramics) —
Vocabulary
Céramiques techniques — Vocabulaire
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
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or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
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Published in Switzerland
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 General terms .1
3.2 Terms related to forming and processing .11
3.3 Terms related to properties and testing .21
3.4 Terms related to ceramic materials . 26
Bibliography .34
Index .35
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement. For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO
specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's
adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 206, Fine ceramics.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 20507:2022), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— abbreviations integrated into Clause 3;
— many composite-related terms added.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iv
International Standard ISO 20507:2026(en)
Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical
ceramics) — Vocabulary
1 Scope
This document specifies terms and associated definitions that are typically used for fine ceramics (advanced
ceramic, advanced technical ceramic) materials, products, applications, properties and processes. This
document also includes abbreviated terms that have found general acceptance in scientific and technical
literature; each abbreviation is given with the corresponding full term and definition or description.
In this document, terms are defined using the term ‘fine ceramic’. The definitions apply equally to ‘advanced
ceramics’ and ‘advanced technical ceramics’, which are considered to be equivalent.
This document does not include terms which, though used in the field of fine ceramics, are of a more general
nature and are also well known in other fields of technology.
[1] [2]
NOTE Terms and definitions of a more general nature are available in ASTM C 1145 , EN 14232 and JIS R 1600
[3]
.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 General terms
3.1.1
advanced ceramic
advanced technical ceramic
fine ceramic
highly engineered, high performance, predominantly non-metallic, inorganic, ceramic material having
specific functional attributes
Note 1 to entry: The use of fine ceramic, advanced ceramic and advanced technical ceramic is interchangeably accepted
in business, trade, scientific literature and International Standards.
3.1.2
antibacterial ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) that reveals surface antibacterial activity, usually associated with an antibacterial agent
or photocatalytic behaviour, and is widely used for sanitary ware, tiles and various kinds of apparatus
3.1.3
bio-sourced ceramic
fine ceramic produced from bio-sourced material
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.4
bioceramic
fine ceramic employed in or used as a medical device which is intended to interact with biological systems
Note 1 to entry: Bioceramics typically comprise products to repair or replace bone, teeth and hard tissue or to support
soft tissue and/or control its function.
Note 2 to entry: Implants require a degree of biocompatibility.
Note 3 to entry: Bioceramics that are intended to interact actively with biological systems are often based on
crystalline hydroxy(l)apatite; partially crystallized glass or glass-bonded ceramic is also used.
3.1.5
carbon-carbon composite
fine ceramic composed of a carbon matrix containing carbon fibre reinforcement
Note 1 to entry: A carbon-carbon (C/C) composite is mainly used for airplane brakes; it can also be used for furnace
parts or heat-resistant tiles for aerospace applications.
Note 2 to entry: The reinforcement is generally continuous.
3.1.6
ceramic, adj
pertaining to the essential characteristics of a ceramic and to the material, product, manufacturing process
or technology
3.1.7
ceramic, noun
essentially inorganic and non-metallic material
Note 1 to entry: The concept “ceramic” comprises products based on clay as raw material and also materials which are
typically based on oxides, nitrides, carbides, silicides, borides and carbon.
3.1.8
ceramic armour
armour used by armoured vehicle and personnel for its attenuative properties
3.1.9
ceramic capacitor
capacitor in which the dielectric material is a ceramic (3.1.7)
EXAMPLE Boundary layer (BL) capacitor; multi-layer ceramic capacitor (3.1.55) .
3.1.10
ceramic catalyst carrier
non-reactive ceramic substrate (3.1.24) to support a catalyst
Note 1 to entry: A ceramic catalyst carrier is typically made with a thin wall, has a large surface area and is used in
contact with fluid matter.
3.1.11
ceramic coating
layer of oxide ceramic (3.1.61) and/or non-oxide ceramic (3.1.59) adhering to a substrate
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic coatings are produced by a variety of processes, e.g. dipping, plasma spraying, sol-gel coating,
physical vapour deposition (3.2.51) and chemical vapour deposition (3.2.19) coating.
Note 2 to entry: Ceramic coatings are usually subdivided into thin coatings (<10 μm) and thick coatings (>10 μm).
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.12
ceramic cutting tool
tool for machining operations, consisting of a fine ceramic (3.1.1) having excellent wear, damage and heat
resistance
Note 1 to entry: Machining includes operations such as turning, drilling and milling.
3.1.13
ceramic filter
〈electrical〉 filter using a piezoelectric ceramic (3.1.63) as a resonator
3.1.14
ceramic filter
〈porous〉 porous ceramic (3.1.66) matter to be used in filtering a gas or a liquid
3.1.15
ceramic for electrical applications
ceramic for electronic applications
DEPRECATED: electrical ceramic
DEPRECATED: electronic ceramic
DEPRECATED: electroceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) used in electrical and electronic engineering because of intrinsic, electrically related
properties
Note 1 to entry: These intrinsic properties include electrical insulation, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
Note 2 to entry: This term includes ceramics for passive electrical applications, i.e. a ceramic (3.1.7) with no active
electrical behaviour, having a high electrical resistivity, used for electrical insulation functions.
Note 3 to entry: This term may apply to silicate ceramics such as steatite and electrical porcelain.
3.1.16
ceramic for nuclear applications
DEPRECATED: nuclear ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) having specific material properties required for use in a nuclear environment
Note 1 to entry: Ceramics for nuclear applications include materials for nuclear fuels, neutron absorbers, burnable
neutron poisons, diffusion barrier coatings, inert container elements, fuel cladding and assembly duct.
3.1.17
ceramic for optical applications
DEPRECATED: optical ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) used in optical applications because of its intrinsic properties
Note 1 to entry: For example, transparent alumina is used for high-pressure sodium lamp envelopes.
Note 2 to entry: Optical ceramics are typically tailored to exploit transmission, reflection and absorption of visible
and near-visible electromagnetic radiation.
3.1.18
ceramic heating resistor
heater making use of an electric conductive or a semi-conductive property of ceramics
3.1.19
ceramic honeycomb
fine ceramic (3.1.1) body having multiple channels typically arranged in a honeycomb structure
Note 1 to entry: A ceramic honeycomb (3.1.19) is typically used as a ceramic catalyst carrier (3.1.10) , a filter or a heat
exchanger regenerator, and is typically made of cordierite, mullite or aluminium titanate.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.20
ceramic ionic conductor
ceramic for electrical applications (3.1.15) in which ions are transported by an electric potential or chemical
gradient
3.1.21
ceramic matrix composite
CMC
fine ceramic (3.1.1) composed of a ceramic matrix containing reinforcement (3.2.65)
Note 1 to entry: The reinforcement is often continuous, i.e. ceramic filaments, distributed in one or more spatial
directions, but this term is also used for discontinuous reinforcement, e.g. short ceramic fibres, ceramic whiskers,
ceramic platelets or ceramic particles.
Note 2 to entry: carbon-carbon (3.4.11) (C/C) composites are included.
Note 3 to entry: The acronym CFCC (continuous fibre ceramic composite (3.4.12)) is often used for a ceramic matrix
composite (3.1.21) in which one or more reinforcing phases consist of continuous fibres.
3.1.22
ceramic optical waveguide
optical waveguide formed on the surface of a ceramic substrate (3.1.24)
Note 1 to entry: Optical single crystal of LiNbO is typically used as a substrate for a ceramic optical waveguide (3.1.22)
.
3.1.23
ceramic sensor
sensor making use of semiconductive, piezoelectric, magnetic or dielectric properties of a fine ceramic (3.1.1)
3.1.24
ceramic substrate
ceramic body (3.2.9) , sheet or layer of material on which some other active or useful material or component
may be deposited or laid
EXAMPLE An electronic circuit laid on an alumina ceramic sheet. In catalysis, the formed, porous, high-surface-
area carrier on which the catalytic agent is widely and thinly distributed for reasons of performance and economy.
3.1.25
ceramic varistor
ceramic material having high electrical resistivity at low voltage but high electrical conductivity at high
voltage
Note 1 to entry: A zinc oxide varistor can be used as a protector in an electronic circuit.
3.1.26
cermet
composite material consisting of at least one distinct metallic phase and one distinct ceramic phase, the
latter normally being present at a volume fraction greater than 50 %
Note 1 to entry: The ceramic phase, typically, has high hardness, high thermal strength, and good corrosion resistance;
the metallic phase has good toughness and elastoplastic behaviour.
Note 2 to entry: The term “cermet” is a contracted form of ceramic metal.
Note 3 to entry: Materials containing typically less than 50 % by volume of ceramic phase are commonly called “metal
matrix composites”.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.27
diamond-like carbon
DLC
form of carbon made by a CVD (3.2.19) or PVD (3.2.51) process, having hardness much higher than graphite
but lower than diamond
Note 1 to entry: diamond-like carbon (3.1.27) is typically used as a hard coat material for engineering components or
memory disks.
3.1.28
dielectric ceramic
ceramic dielectric
ceramic for electrical applications (3.1.15) having controlled dielectric properties
3.1.29
discontinuous fibre-reinforced ceramic composite
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) material reinforced by chopped fibres
3.1.30
electro-optic ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) with a refractive index which changes in response to an applied electric field
Note 1 to entry: An electro-optic ceramic (3.1.30) is a type of non-linear optical ceramic (3.1.17) used, for example,
in optical shutters, optical modulating devices and optical memory devices. Transparent ferroelectrics are used as
electro-optic ceramics, LiNbO single crystals or PLZT polycrystals with low light scattering. The term “electro-optic”
is often erroneously used as a synonym for “optoelectronic”.
3.1.31
environmental barrier coating
EBC
ceramic coating (3.1.11) , possibly multi-layered, used to protect fine ceramics from environmental
aggression
3.1.32
far-infrared radiative ceramic
fine ceramic with specific property to radiate in the far-infrared
Note 1 to entry: Far-infrared radiative ceramics are typically used as heaters for industrial and domestic applications.
3.1.33
ferrite
fine ceramic with ferrimagnetic behaviour, having ferric oxide as a major constituent
Note 1 to entry: Magnetic ceramic is used as a synonym of ferrite but encompasses non-oxide-containing materials as
well.
3.1.34
ferroelectric ceramic
non-linear polarizable ceramic for electrical applications (3.1.15), generally with a high level of permittivity,
exhibiting hysteresis in the variation of the dielectric polarization as a function of the electric field strength
and in the temperature dependence of the permittivity
Note 1 to entry: Polarization results in electrostrictive, piezoelectric, pyroelectric and/or electro-optic properties,
which disappear above the transition or Curie temperature.
3.1.35
ferromagnetic ceramic
fine ceramic that exhibits a spontaneous magnetization without an applied external magnetic field, in which
unpaired electrons with a small magnetic field of their own align with each other and show a large net
magnetic moment
Note 1 to entry: Most ferrites that contain iron oxide as the main constituent show ferromagnetism.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.36
functional ceramic
fine ceramic, the intrinsic properties of which are employed to provide an active function
EXAMPLE Electronic or ionic conductor, component with magnetic, chemical or mechanical sensing function.
3.1.37
functionally graded ceramic
fine ceramic, the properties of which are deliberately varied from one region to another through spatial
control of composition and/or microstructure
3.1.38
geopolymer
inorganic polymeric ceramics formed from both aluminium and silicon sources
3.1.39
glass-ceramic
fine ceramic derived from bulk glass or glass powder by controlled devitrification
Note 1 to entry: The glass is thermally treated to induce a substantial amount of crystallinity on a fine scale.
3.1.40
hard ferrite
ferrite (3.1.33) having strong magnetic anisotropy and high coercivity
EXAMPLE Barium hexaferrite, used as permanent magnets in loudspeakers; strontium hexaferrite, used as
permanent magnet segments in electric motors.
3.1.41
high-temperature superconductor
HTS
HTSC
superconducting ceramic (3.1.75) having superconducting properties at temperatures above 77 K, the boiling
point of liquid nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Superconducting ceramics typically comprise certain combinations of oxides of copper, rare earths,
barium, strontium, calcium, thallium and/or mercury.
3.1.42
hybrid photocatalyst
photocatalyst (material) combined with other functional materials in order to complement and enhance the
photocatalytic function
Note 1 to entry: Examples include photocatalytic air-purifying materials combined with an adsorbent and antibacterial
material, in turn combined with an antibacterial agent, to continue to function in the absence of light.
3.1.43
indoor-light-active photocatalyst
substance that carries out many functions based on oxidization and reduction reactions produced by an
artificial light source for general lighting service, including decomposition and removal of air and water
contaminants, deodorization, and antibacterial, antifungal, self-cleaning and antifogging actions
3.1.44
in-plane reinforced ceramic matrix composite 2D material
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) where the reinforcements are placed along at least two directions in a
single plane
3.1.45
low-emission ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) with low emissivity in the infra red radiation range
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.46
low temperature co-fired ceramic
LTCC
ceramic formed by co-firing with a metallic conductor at a lower temperature than conventional ceramics
Note 1 to entry: Low temperature co-fired ceramics are typically applied to ceramic multilayer substrates.
Note 2 to entry: A typical metallic conductor is silver, and a typical ceramic is alumina with glass added.
3.1.47
machinable ceramic
ceramic that, after the last consolidation heat treatment, can be machined to tight tolerances using
conventional hardmetal or abrasive tools
EXAMPLE Boron nitride, glass-ceramics and porous aluminas.
Note 1 to entry: The natural mineral talc and pyrophyllite, machined and heat-treated, are sometimes also referred to
as machinable ceramics.
3.1.48
matrix
ceramic phase(s) used to bind together the dispersed particles, platelets, fibres and filaments of a composite
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic phase(s) bind the constituent fibres of a fibrous reinforcement of a composite material.
3.1.49
MXene
class of two-dimensional inorganic compound consisting of a few-atomic-layer thick transition metal
carbide, nitride or carbonitride
3.1.50
MAX phase
layered, hexagonal carbide and nitride which have the general chemical formula given in Formula (1):
(1)
where
n = 1 to 4;
M is an early transition metal;
A is an A-group (mostly IIIA and IVA, or groups 13 and 14) element;
X is carbon and/or nitrogen.
3.1.51
metallized ceramic
fine ceramic product with a coherent, predominantly metal layer applied to its surface
Note 1 to entry: Processes for metallization include painting, printing, electrolytic deposition and physical vapour
deposition (3.2.51) .
Note 2 to entry: Metallization is carried out for specific modification of surface properties or to produce an interlayer
for promoting the formation of a high-integrity bond with another material (often metallic).
3.1.52
monolithic ceramic
fine ceramic which has undergone consolidation (3.2.23) through sintering (3.2.70) to obtain a microstructure
consisting predominantly of ceramic grains of one or more phases which are homogeneously distributed on
a scale which is small compared to the dimensions of the part
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic parts with low or moderate porosity are included, whereas ceramic matrix composites with
ceramic filaments are excluded.
Note 2 to entry: A secondary phase can also be non-ceramic.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.53
multiferroic ceramic
fine ceramic that exhibits more than one ferroic characteristic, i.e. ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity and
ferroelasticity, simultaneously
Note 1 to entry: Multiferroic ceramics consist of two categories, i.e. single-phase multiferroics and composites or
heterostructures exhibiting more than one ferroic characteristic. Typical single-phase multiferroics include TbMnO
and BiFeO .
3.1.54
multidirectional ceramic matrix composite xD (x > 2) material
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) where the continuous fibre reinforcement (3.2.65) is spatially distributed
in at least three directions not in a single plane
3.1.55
multi-layer ceramic capacitor
MLCC
capacitor constructed by repeatedly stacking dielectric ceramic (3.1.28) layers and metal layers
3.1.56
multi-layered ceramic matrix composite
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) where the matrix is composed of layers of different chemical compositions
3.1.57
nanocomposite ceramic
composite with highly designed microstructure in which fine particles of nanometric size are dispersed in a
ceramic matrix
Note 1 to entry: See particulate-reinforced ceramic matrix composite (3.1.62).
3.1.58
nanostructured ceramic
ceramic material of which at least one structural or microstructural element has dimensions of 1 nm to
100 nm
3.1.59
non-oxide ceramic
fine ceramic produced primarily from substantially pure metallic carbides, nitrides, borides or silicides, or
from mixtures and/or solid solutions thereof
3.1.60
opto-electronic ceramic
ceramic for electrical applications, typically a ferroelectric ceramic in which the optical properties are
controlled by electrical means
3.1.61
oxide ceramic
fine ceramic produced primarily from substantially pure metallic oxides or from mixtures and/or solid
solutions thereof
Note 1 to entry: This term may also be applied to ceramics other than fine ceramics.
3.1.62
particulate-reinforced ceramic matrix composite
ceramic matrix composite in which the reinforcing components are particles of equiaxed or platelet
geometry (in contrast to whiskers or short fibres)
Note 1 to entry: See nanocomposite ceramic (3.1.57).
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.63
piezoelectric ceramic
piezoceramic
ceramic for electrical applications (3.1.15) , typically a ferroelectric ceramic (3.1.34) in which the elastic and
dielectric properties are coupled, with practically linear dependence, between the magnitude and direction
of mechanical force applied and the electric charge created, or conversely, between the strength and
direction of an electric driving field and the elastic deformation obtained
Note 1 to entry: Typical piezoelectric ceramics include barium titanate and lead zirconium titanate (3.4.30) .
Note 2 to entry: Elastic deformation under the influence of an electric driving field is termed the inverse piezoelectric
effect.
Note 3 to entry: Piezoelectric ceramics are capable of transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy or signals
and vice versa.
3.1.64
photocatalyst
substance that performs one or more catalytic functions based on oxidation or reduction reactions under
photoirradiation
Note 1 to entry: The functions include decomposition and removal of air and water contaminants, deodorization,
antibacterial (3.3.1) , self-cleaning and antifogging actions. A photocatalyst (3.1.64) can also be used for light energy
conversion.
3.1.65
photocatalytic material
material in which or on which the photocatalyst is added by coating, impregnation or mixing
Note 1 to entry: Materials include ceramic, metal, plastic, paper and cloth for general purposes.
3.1.66
porous ceramic
ceramic (3.1.7) with pores
Note 1 to entry: Porosity and pore diameter range widely and are typically 30 % to 60 % and 0,05 μm to 100 μm,
respectively.
Note 2 to entry: Porous ceramics are applied to filters, catalyst carriers, humidity sensors or molecular sieves,
excluding structured honeycomb cellular channels.
3.1.67
pre-stressed ceramics
ceramic components with high strength and damage tolerance because of residual compressive stresses in
the surface layer and residual tensile stresses in the inner body, and the total force in a section is zero due to
stress balance
3.1.68
relaxor dielectric
class of perovskite ferroelectric that shows significant changes in permittivity and loss tangent with
frequency
3.1.69
representative volume element
RVE
minimum volume that is representative of the ceramic matrix composite considered
3.1.70
semiconducting photocatalyst
substance that displays photocatalytic action based on its electronic band structure
Note 1 to entry: This applies to metal oxides, like titanium dioxide, and sulfides. Photocatalysts which are not
semiconducting include metal complexes.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.71
silicate ceramic
ceramic made mainly from minerals and/or other siliceous raw materials, resulting in a microstructure
with a substantial amount of silicate phases
Note 1 to entry: Electrical porcelain and steatite ceramics are typical silicate ceramics.
3.1.72
soft ferrite
ferrite having a weak magnetic anisotropy, resulting in high magnetic permeability and low magnetic loss
EXAMPLE Manganese-zinc-ferro-ferrite with spinel type crystal structure, used for coils, transformers for energy
conversion; ferrite with garnet-type crystal structure, such as yttrium iron garnet, used for microwave applications.
3.1.73
structural ceramic
fine ceramic employed primarily in structural applications for its mechanical or thermomechanical
performance
Note 1 to entry: The term “structural ceramic” is also applied to clay products for constructional purposes.
3.1.74
spintronic ceramic
ceramic that utilizes the charge (electronic conductivity) and the spin (magnetization) of electrons
Note 1 to entry: Typical applications include the magnetic head on a hard disk utilizing the giant magneto resistivity
(GMR) effect, as well as non-volatile magneto-resistive random-access memory (MRAM).
3.1.75
superconducting ceramic
ceramic for electrical applications showing practically zero electrical resistance below a certain temperature
Note 1 to entry: Superconducting ceramics typically comprise certain combinations of oxides of copper, rare earths,
barium, strontium, calcium, thallium and/or mercury and most of them are high-temperature superconductors.
3.1.76
surface-modified ceramic
fine ceramic in which the surface has been subjected to a deliberate physical or compositional modification
Note 1 to entry: Surface modification is normally intended to enhance properties or performance.
Note 2 to entry: Modification processes include ion diffusion, ion implantation, ion exchange and chemical reactions
such as oxidation.
3.1.77
thick ceramic coating
ceramic coating of a thickness typically equal to or greater than 10 μm
Note 1 to entry: Thick ceramic coatings are produced typically by thick film technology such as dipping (slurry),
screen printing or plasma spraying.
3.1.78
thin ceramic coating
ceramic coating of a thickness typically less than 10 μm
Note 1 to entry: Thin ceramic coatings are produced typically by thin film technology such as the sol-gel coating
process (dipping, spin coating) and the chemical and physical vapour deposition process.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.1.79
ultra-high-temperature ceramic
UHTC
class of refractory ceramics that offer excellent stability at temperatures exceeding 2 000 °C being
investigated as possible thermal protection system (TPS) materials, coatings for materials subjected to high
temperatures and bulk materials for heating elements
Note 1 to entry: Broadly speaking, UHTCs are borides, carbides, nitrides and oxides of early transition metals.
3.1.80
unidirectional (1D) ceramic matrix composite
ceramic matrix composite with continuous reinforcement which is distributed in one single direction
Note 1 to entry: The reinforcement typically comprises ceramic filaments.
3.2 Terms related to forming and processing
3.2.1
aerosol deposition
AD
process for the formation of ceramic coatings based on the shock-consolidation of fine powder jet at room
temperature
3.2.2
as-fired surface
external surface of a ceramic product after sintering
Note 1 to entry: The as-fired surface can be relatively rough compared with surfaces machined after sintering and can
have, for example, pits and adherent debris.
3.2.3
binder
one or more mainly organic compounds which are added to the ceramic body in order to enhance
compaction and/or to provide enough strength to the green body to permit handling, green machining or
other operations prior to sintering
3.2.4
binder phase
tough matrix phase embedding a rigid, hard, main, ceramic phase in a composite material
Note 1 to entry: Binder phase: cobalt, nickel; hard phase: tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide.
Note 2 to entry: A tough matrix phase reduces the brittleness and crack sensitivity and improves the strength and
toughness of the composite material.
3.2.5
calcining
calcination
process for changing the chemical composition and/or phases of a powder or powder compact by the action
of heat and atmosphere prior to consolidation and processing
Note 1 to entry: This process is typically used for the removal of organic material, combined water and/or volatile
material from a powder or powder compact.
3.2.6
casting
drain (hollow) casting
slip casting
forming ceramic ware by introducing a body slip into an open, porous mould and then draining off the
remaining slip when the cast piece has reached the desired thickness
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.2.7
ceramic agglomerate
accretion of ceramic particles forming a coherent, but weakly bonded, mass
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic agglomerates are unintentionally generated during manufacture and preparation of ceramic
powders for ceramic production and can be difficult to break down.
3.2.8
ceramic aggregate
accretion of ceramic particles forming a coherent mass with strong interfacial bonding
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic aggregates are intentionally generated during manufacture and preparation of ceramic
powders and are difficult to break down.
3.2.9
ceramic body
totality of all inorganic and organic raw material constituents after preparation of ceramic powder (3.2.16)
but before the shaping and heat treatment to produce a ceramic
3.2.10
ceramic fibre
unit of ceramic matter constituting a fibrous reinforcement (3.2.29) of a composite material, characterized
by a high length-to-diameter ratio (at least > 100)
Note 1 to entry: Three main types of ceramic fibres can be distinguished: carbon fibres, silicon carbide fibres and
oxide fibres (essentially alumina, basalt and mullite).
Note 2 to entry: Depending on aspect ratio value, short fibres can be distinguished from continuous or long fibres, also
called ceramic filaments.
3.2.11
ceramic filament
single ceramic fibre (3.2.10) of small diameter considered to be continuous
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic filaments are typically used as reinforcement (3.2.65) in continuous fibre ceramic matrix
composites, as tow (3.2.79) and as woven or non-woven fabrics.
3.2.12
ceramic grain
individual crystal within the polycrystalline microstructure of a ceramic
Note 1 to entry: This term is also used for individual, usually hard, particles of abrasive or refractory materials.
3.2.13
ceramic granulate
mass of granules produced from a ceramic body (3.2.9) , usually in a free-flowing form, used as a feedstock
for producing a green body (3.2.33)
Note 1 to entry: There are many granulation processes; the size of the granules is typically 40 μm or greater.
3.2.14
ceramic particle
small quantity of ceramic matter, monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous, in a discrete mass of size
and shape controlled by its fabrication process
Note 1 to entry: Individual particles may accrete into unintentional ceramic agglomerates or intentional ceramic
aggregates or may be processed to form a ceramic granulate (3.2.13) .
3.2.15
ceramic platelet
unit of ceramic matter, consisting typically of a single crystal in a plate-like shape
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic platelets may consist of oxide or non-oxide material.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Note 2 to entry: Ceramic platelets are used as reinforcement (3.2.65) in ceramic matrix composites, in which case the
width of the platelets is usually smaller than 50 μm.
3.2.16
ceramic (powder) preparation
preparation of ceramic powder
process of converting powders and additives into a ceramic body (3.2.9) , usually by comminution and/
or mixing of the powder with binders and lubricants to provide the required chemical and physical
characteristics
3.2.17
ceramic precursor
chemical or mixture of chemicals employed for the manufacture of a ceramic powder, ceramic granulate
(3.2.13), thin ceramic coating (3.1.78) , monolithic ceramic (3.1.52) or ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21), or
ceramic fibres, ceramic whiskers or ceramic platelets, differing in composition from the fabricated ceramic
product
EXAMPLE Gaseous silicon tetrachloride used for the formation of silicon nitride and silicon carbide; metal
alkoxides used for the formation of metal oxide powders.
Note 1 to entry: This term is usually applied to gas or liquid mixtures which are decomposed to form ceramic materials.
3.2.18
ceramic whisker
unit of ceramic matter, consisting typically of a single crystal having a needle-like shape
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic whiskers may consist of oxide or non-oxide material.
Note 2 to entry: Ceramic whiskers may be used as reinforcement (3.2.65) in ceramic matrix composites, in which case
the diameter of the crystals is usually smaller than 3 μm, the aspect ratio being less than 100.
3.2.19
chemical vapour deposition
CVD
process for producing a fine ceramic (3.1.1) by reacting gaseous species and condensing the reaction product
or by heterogeneous reaction at the surface of a substrate
Note 1 to entry: This process may be used for the preparation of a solid ceramic, a ceramic powder or a ceramic coating
or for infiltration of a heated substrate.
3.2.20
chemical vapour deposition coating process
CVD coating process
chemical vapour deposition used for the formation of a fine ceramic coating on a substrate
3.2.21
chemical vapour infiltration
CVI
chemical vapour deposition through heterogeneous reactions on pore surfaces, used for ceramic matrix
composite consolidation and/or densification
3.2.22
cold isostatic pressing
CIP
process of preparing a green body (3.2.33) from a ceramic powder or a ceramic granulate (3.2.13) by the use
of (pseudo-)isostatic pressure at or near room temperature
Note 1 to entry: This process is sometimes called “CIPing”.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.2.23
consolidation
process that, in a composite, consists in binding the fibres of a fibrous reinforcement with sufficient quantity
of matrix in order to keep it in final shape
Note 1 to entry: Consolidation methods include mechanical densification, chemical bonding and sintering.
3.2.24
densification
increase in bulk density with decreasing the volume fraction of voids by consolidation and/or sintering
Note 1 to entry: This operation in a ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) is intended to fill voids in fibrous reinforcement
(3.2.29) with one or several reinforcing matrix phases, and it usually occurs after the consolidation (3.2.23) .
3.2.25
doctor blade process
process to form a ceramic sheet in which ceramic powder, binder and solvent are mixed and spread by a
knife edge (or a doctor blade) on to a carrier film
Note 1 to entry: The doctor blade process is used to form a ceramic sheet with good dimensional accuracy by adjusting
the distance between a knife edge (or a doctor blade) and a carrier film.
Note 2 to entry: The doctor blade process is frequently called tape casting (3.2.78).
3.2.26
electrophoretic deposition
EPD
colloidal processing technique in which ceramic particles suspended in a liquid medium migrate under the
influence of an electric field and are deposited onto an electrode having the desired shape of the object to be
formed
Note 1 to entry: This technique enables both the shaping of free-standing objects and the deposit of thin films and
coatings on substrates.
3.2.27
extrude
shape a plastic body by forcing material through a die
3.2.28
fibrous preform
form of fibrous reinforcement (3.2.29) , generally of complex geometry, used to obtain near net shape
composite part after consolidation (3.2.23) and/or densification (3.2.24)
3.2.29
fibrous reinforcement
fibre arrangement conferring the composite with mechanical properties higher than those of its constituents
3.2.30
filler
organic or inorganic additive to a fine ceramic (3.1.1), polymer or metallic body to control processing or
properties
Note 1 to entry: Examples of the use of this term include:
a) organic (or rarely, inorganic) additives to a fine ceramic (3.1.1) body which decompose or burn out during
consolidation (3.2.23) to create intentional porosity, e.g. discrete polymer particles;
b) predominantly inert, usually particular, fine ceramic substances introduced into a fine ceramic body to control
processing or properties, e.g. silicon carbide particles used in a silicon-based polymer precursor for dimensional
control during subsequent consolidation;
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
c) predominantly inert, usually particular fine ceramic materials introduced into a different matrix (3.1.48) in order
to modify properties, e.g. aluminium oxide or hydroxide introduced into a polymer to modify stiffness or wear
resistance.
3.2.31
gel casting
process of shaping and forming a green body (3.2.33) using the phenomenon of gelation of a suspension
3.2.32
gas pressure sintering
GPS
sintering by the combined application of heat and gas pressure
EXAMPLE gas pressure sintered silicon nitride (3.4.16) (GPSSN).
Note 1 to entry: The gas pressure is typically not greater than 10 MPa.
3.2.33
green body
green part
ceramic body (3.2.9) that is compacted and/or shaped, but not yet heat-treated
3.2.34
green machining
machining of a green body (3.2.33) to a predetermined shape
3.2.35
hot isostatic pressing
HIP
process of making a fine ceramic (3.1.1) by application of an isostatic gas pressure at elevated temperatures
Note 1 to entry: The object may be an encapsulated powder or green body (3.2.33) , or a pre-densified fine ceramic. Gas
pressures are typically much greater than 10 MPa.
Note 2 to entry: This process is sometimes called “HIPing”.
3.2.36
(uniaxial) hot pressing
HP
process of making a fine ceramic (3.1.1) , normally by application of a unidirectional (uniaxial) force at
elevated temperature
Note 1 to entry: For uniaxial hot pressing, an inductively heated graphite die is usually employed.
3.2.37
hydrothermal synthesis
process of preparing fine ceramics and other inorganic materials by chemical reaction in aqueous solution
under high temperature and pressure in a pressure vessel
Note 1 to entry: An example of a pressure vessel is an autoclave.
Note 2 to entry: Fine ceramics in powder, film or bulk forms may be prepared by hydrothermal synthesis (3.2.37) .
3.2.38
injection moulding
IM
process of shaping a green body (3.2.33) by injecting an appropriately formulated mass into a mould or die
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
3.2.39
interphase
thin layer between the fibre and the matrix (3.1.48)
Note 1 to entry: In aceramic matrix composite (3.1.21), this interphase (3.2.39) provides mechanical and chemical
protection to fibres.
3.2.40
liquid phase sintering
LPS
sintering (3.2.70) achieved by the presence of a liquid phase
Note 1 to entry: The amount and properties of the liquid phase are determined by the composition of the green body
(3.2.33) , temperature and pressure. This process is enhanced by accelerated diffusion and dissolution-precipitation
phenomena.
3.2.41
low-pressure chemical vapour deposition
LPCVD
chemical vapour deposition (3.2.19) at low gas pressure
Note 1 to entry: The gas pressure is typically less than 0,01 MPa.
3.2.42
machined and refired
state of a fine ceramic (3.1.1) component ground, polished and heat-treated to modify the surface properties
3.2.43
manufacture of ceramic powders by flame pyrolysis
process of formation of ceramic particles by passing reactants through the combustion zone of a flame
3.2.44
manufacture of ceramic powders by gas-phase reaction
process of formation of ceramic particles from gaseous reactants using an external stimulus
EXAMPLE Silicon nitride powder produced by reaction between silicon tetrachloride gas and ammonia gas.
Note 1 to entry: External stimuli include heating, electrical discharge and laser irradiation.
3.2.45
manufacture of ceramic powders by sol-gel technique
process of formation of ceramic particles by using s
...
ISO/DISPRF 20507
ISO/TC 206
Secretariat: JISC
Date: 2026-05-29
Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) —
Vocabulary
Céramiques techniques — Vocabulaire
DIS stage
PROOF
VotVoting bing begiegins ons on: 202n: 20266--0101--001 1
VotVoting ting terermiminanates on: tes on: 20202626--0303--2626
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
Contents
Foreword . iii
Scope . iii
Normative references . iii
Terms and definitions . iii
General terms . iii
Terms for forming and processing . iii
Terms for properties and testing . iii
Terms for ceramic materials . iii
Bibliography . iii
Foreword . iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 General terms . 1
3.2 Terms related to forming and processing . 12
3.3 Terms related to properties and testing . 22
3.4 Terms related to ceramic materials . 28
Bibliography . 36
Index 37
iii
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization. The
procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described in
the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement. For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO
specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence
to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 206, Fine ceramics.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 20507:2022), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— abbreviations integrated into 3;
— many composite-related terms added.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) —
Vocabulary
1 Scope
This document specifies terms and associated definitions that are typically used for fine ceramics (advanced
ceramic, advanced technical ceramic) materials, products, applications, properties and processes. This
document also includes abbreviated terms that have found general acceptance in scientific and technical
literature; each abbreviation is given with the corresponding full term and definition or description.
In this document, terms are defined using the term ‘fine ceramic’. The definitions apply equally to ‘advanced
ceramics’ and ‘advanced technical ceramics’, which are considered to be equivalent.
This document does not include terms which, though used in the field of fine ceramics, are of a more general
nature and are also well known in other fields of technology.
NOTE Terms and definitions of a more general nature are available in ASTM C 1145 , EN 14232 and JIS R 1600.[1],
[2] and [3].
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 General terms
3.1.1
advanced ceramic
advanced technical ceramic
fine ceramic
highly engineered, high performance, predominantly non-metallic, inorganic, ceramic material having specific
functional attributes
Note 1 to entry: The use of fine ceramic, advanced ceramic and advanced technical ceramic is interchangeably accepted
in business, trade, scientific literature and International Standards.
3.1.2
antibacterial ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) that reveals surface antibacterial activity, usually associated with an antibacterial agent
or photocatalytic behaviour, and is widely used for sanitary ware, tiles and various kinds of apparatus
3.1.3
bio-sourced ceramic
fine ceramic produced from bio-sourced material
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.1.4
bioceramic
fine ceramic employed in or used as a medical device which is intended to interact with biological systems
Note 1 to entry: Bioceramics typically comprise products to repair or replace bone, teeth and hard tissue or to support
soft tissue and/or control its function.
Note 2 to entry: Implants require a degree of biocompatibility.
Note 3 to entry: Bioceramics that are intended to interact actively with biological systems are often based on crystalline
hydroxy(l)apatite; partially crystallized glass or glass-bonded ceramic is also used.
3.1.5
carbon-carbon composite
fine ceramic composed of a carbon matrix containing carbon fibre reinforcement
Note 1 to entry: A carbon-carbon (C/C) composite is mainly used for airplane brakes; it can also be used for furnace parts
or heat-resistant tiles for aerospace applications.
Note 2 to entry: The reinforcement is generally continuous.
3.1.6
ceramic, adj
pertaining to the essential characteristics of a ceramic and to the material, product, manufacturing process or
technology
3.1.7
ceramic, noun
essentially inorganic and non-metallic material
Note 1 to entry: The concept “ceramic” comprises products based on clay as raw material and also materials which are
typically based on oxides, nitrides, carbides, silicides, borides and carbon.
3.1.8
ceramic armour
armour used by armourarmoured vehicle and personnel for its attenuative properties
3.1.9
ceramic capacitor
capacitor in which the dielectric material is a ceramic (3.1.7)
EXAMPLE Boundary layer (BL) capacitor; multi-layer ceramic capacitor (3.1.55) .
3.1.10
ceramic catalyst carrier
non-reactive ceramic substrate (3.1.24) to support a catalyst
Note 1 to entry: A ceramic catalyst carrier is typically made with a thin wall, has a large surface area and is used in contact
with fluid matter.
3.1.11
ceramic coating
layer of oxide ceramic (3.1.61) and/or non-oxide ceramic (3.1.59) adhering to a substrate
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic coatings are produced by a variety of processes, e.g. dipping, plasma spraying, sol-gel coating,
physical vapour deposition (3.2.51) and chemical vapour deposition (3.2.19) coating.
Note 2 to entry: Ceramic coatings are usually subdivided into thin coatings (<10 μm) and thick coatings (>10 μm).
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.1.12
ceramic cutting tool
tool for machining operations, consisting of a fine ceramic (3.1.1) having excellent wear, damage and heat
resistance
Note 1 to entry: Machining includes operations such as turning, drilling and milling.
3.1.13
ceramic filter
<〈electrical>〉 filter using a piezoelectric ceramic (3.1.63) as a resonator
3.1.14
ceramic filter
<〈porous>〉 porous ceramic (3.1.66) matter to be used in filtering a gas or a liquid
3.1.15
ceramic for electrical applications
ceramic for electronic applications
DEPRECATED: electrical ceramic
DEPRECATED: electronic ceramic
DEPRECATED: electroceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) used in electrical and electronic engineering because of intrinsic, electrically related
properties
Note 1 to entry: These intrinsic properties include electrical insulation, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
Note 2 to entry: This term includes ceramics for passive electrical applications, i.e. a ceramic (3.1.7) with no active
electrical behaviour, having a high electrical resistivity, used for electrical insulation functions.
Note 3 to entry: This term may apply to silicate ceramics such as steatite and electrical porcelain.
3.1.16
ceramic for nuclear applications
DEPRECATED: nuclear ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) having specific material properties required for use in a nuclear environment
Note 1 to entry: Ceramics for nuclear applications include materials for nuclear fuels, neutron absorbers, burnable
neutron poisons, diffusion barrier coatings, inert container elements, fuel cladding and assembly duct.
3.1.17
ceramic for optical applications
DEPRECATED: optical ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) used in optical applications because of its intrinsic properties
Note 1 to entry: For example, transparent alumina is used for high-pressure sodium lamp envelopes.
Note 2 to entry: Optical ceramics are typically tailored to exploit transmission, reflection and absorption of visible and
near-visible electromagnetic radiation.
3.1.18
ceramic heating resistor
heater making use of an electric conductive or a semiconductivesemi-conductive property of ceramics
3.1.19
ceramic honeycomb
fine ceramic (3.1.1) body having multiple channels typically arranged in a honeycomb structure
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
Note 1 to entry: A ceramic honeycomb (3.1.19) is typically used as a ceramic catalyst carrier (3.1.10) , a filter or a heat
exchanger regenerator, and is typically made of cordierite, mullite or aluminium titanate.
3.1.20
ceramic ionic conductor
ceramic for electrical applications (3.1.15) in which ions are transported by an electric potential or chemical
gradient
3.1.21
ceramic matrix composite
CMC
fine ceramic (3.1.1) composed of a ceramic matrix containing reinforcement (3.2.65)
Note 1 to entry: The reinforcement is often continuous, i.e. ceramic filaments, distributed in one or more spatial
directions, but this term is also used for discontinuous reinforcement, e.g. short ceramic fibres, ceramic whiskers, ceramic
platelets or ceramic particles.
Note 2 to entry: Carbon-carbon-carbon (3.4.11) (C/C) composites are included.
Note 3 to entry: The acronym CFCC (continuous fibre ceramic composite) (3.4.12)) is often used for a ceramic matrix
composite (3.1.21) in which one or more reinforcing phases consist of continuous fibres.
3.1.22
ceramic optical waveguide
optical waveguide formed on the surface of a ceramic substrate (3.1.24)
Note 1 to entry: Optical single crystal of LiNbO is typically used as a substrate for a ceramic optical waveguide (3.1.22) .
3.1.23
ceramic sensor
sensor making use of semiconductive, piezoelectric, magnetic or dielectric properties of a fine ceramic (3.1.1)
3.1.24
ceramic substrate
ceramic body (3.2.9) , sheet or layer of material on which some other active or useful material or component
may be deposited or laid
EXAMPLE An electronic circuit laid on an alumina ceramic sheet. In catalysis, the formed, porous, high-surface-area
carrier on which the catalytic agent is widely and thinly distributed for reasons of performance and economy.
3.1.25
ceramic varistor
ceramic material having high electrical resistivity at low voltage but high electrical conductivity at high voltage
Note 1 to entry: A zinc oxide varistor can be used as a protector in an electronic circuit.
3.1.26
cermet
composite material consisting of at least one distinct metallic phase and one distinct ceramic phase, the latter
normally being present at a volume fraction greater than 50 %
Note 1 to entry: The ceramic phase, typically, has high hardness, high thermal strength, and good corrosion resistance;
the metallic phase has good toughness and elastoplastic behaviour.
Note 2 to entry: The term “cermet” is a contracted form of ceramic metal.
Note 3 to entry: Materials containing typically less than 50 % by volume of ceramic phase are commonly called “metal
matrix composites”.
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.1.27
diamond-like carbon
DLC
form of carbon made by a CVD or PVD(3.2.19) or PVD (3.2.51) process, having hardness much higher than
graphite but lower than diamond
Note 1 to entry: Diamonddiamond-like carbon (3.1.27) is typically used as a hard coat material for engineering
components or memory disks.
3.1.28
dielectric ceramic
ceramic dielectric
ceramic for electrical applications (3.1.15) having controlled dielectric properties
3.1.29
discontinuous fibre-reinforced ceramic composite
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) material reinforced by chopped fibres
3.1.30
electro-optic ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) with a refractive index which changes in response to an applied electric field
Note 1 to entry: An electro-optic ceramic (3.1.30) is a type of non-linear optical ceramic (3.1.17) used, for example, in
optical shutters, optical modulating devices and optical memory devices. Transparent ferroelectrics are used as electro-
optic ceramics, LiNbO3 single crystals or PLZT polycrystals with low light scattering. The term “electro-optic” is often
erroneously used as a synonym for “optoelectronic”.
3.1.31
environmental barrier coating
EBC
ceramic coating (3.1.11) , possibly multi-layered, used to protect fine ceramics from environmental aggression
3.1.32
far-infrared radiative ceramic
fine ceramic with specific property to radiate in the far-infrared
Note 1 to entry: Far-infrared radiative ceramics are typically used as heaters for industrial and domestic applications.
3.1.33
ferrite
fine ceramic with ferrimagnetic behaviour, having ferric oxide as a major constituent
Note 1 to entry: Magnetic ceramic is used as a synonym of ferrite but encompasses non-oxide-containing materials as
well.
3.1.34
ferroelectric ceramic
non-linear polarizable ceramic for electrical applications, (3.1.15), generally with a high level of permittivity,
exhibiting hysteresis in the variation of the dielectric polarization as a function of the electric field strength
and in the temperature dependence of the permittivity
Note 1 to entry: Polarization results in electrostrictive, piezoelectric, pyroelectric and/or electro-optic properties, which
disappear above the transition or Curie temperature.
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.1.35
ferromagnetic ceramic
fine ceramic that exhibits a spontaneous magnetization without an applied external magnetic field, in which
unpaired electrons with a small magnetic field of their own align with each other and show a large net
magnetic moment
Note 1 to entry: Most ferrites that contain iron oxide as the main constituent show ferromagnetism.
3.1.36
functional ceramic
fine ceramic, the intrinsic properties of which are employed to provide an active function
EXAMPLE Electronic or ionic conductor, component with magnetic, chemical or mechanical sensing function.
3.1.37
functionally graded ceramic
fine ceramic, the properties of which are deliberately varied from one region to another through spatial
control of composition and/or microstructure
3.1.38
geopolymer
inorganic polymeric ceramics formed from both aluminium and silicon sources
3.1.39
glass-ceramic
fine ceramic derived from bulk glass or glass powder by controlled devitrification
Note 1 to entry: The glass is thermally treated to induce a substantial amount of crystallinity on a fine scale.
3.1.40
hard ferrite
ferrite (3.1.33) having strong magnetic anisotropy and high coercivity
EXAMPLE Barium hexaferrite, used as permanent magnets in loudspeakers; strontium hexaferrite, used as
permanent magnet segments in electric motors.
3.1.41
high-temperature superconductor
HTS
HTSC
superconducting ceramic (3.1.75) having superconducting properties at temperatures above 77 K, the boiling
point of liquid nitrogen
Note 1 to entry: Superconducting ceramics typically comprise certain combinations of oxides of copper, rare earths,
barium, strontium, calcium, thallium and/or mercury.
3.1.42
hybrid photocatalyst
photocatalyst (material) combined with other functional materials in order to complement and enhance the
photocatalytic function
Note 1 to entry: Examples include photocatalytic air-purifying materials combined with an adsorbent and antibacterial
material, in turn combined with an antibacterial agent, to continue to function in the absence of light.
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.1.43
indoor-light-active photocatalyst
substance that carries out many functions based on oxidization and reduction reactions produced by an
artificial light source for general lighting service, including decomposition and removal of air and water
contaminants, deodorization, and antibacterial, antifungal, self-cleaning and antifogging actions
3.1.44
in-plane reinforced ceramic matrix composite 2D material
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) where the reinforcements are placed along at least two directions in a single
plane
3.1.45
low-emission ceramic
fine ceramic (3.1.1) with low emissivity in the infra red radiation range
3.1.46
low temperature co-fired ceramic
LTCC
ceramic formed by co-firing with a metallic conductor at a lower temperature than conventional ceramics
Note 1 to entry: Low temperature co-fired ceramics are typically applied to ceramic multilayer substrates.
Note 2 to entry: A typical metallic conductor is silver, and a typical ceramic is alumina with glass added.
3.1.47
machinable ceramic
ceramic that, after the last consolidation heat treatment, can be machined to tight tolerances using
conventional hardmetal or abrasive tools
EXAMPLE Boron nitride, glass-ceramics and porous aluminas.
Note 1 to entry: The natural mineral talc and pyrophyllite, machined and heat-treated, are sometimes also referred to as
machinable ceramics.
3.1.48
matrix
ceramic phase(s) used to bind together the dispersed particles, platelets, fibres and filaments of a composite
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic phase(s) bind the constituent fibres of a fibrous reinforcement of a composite material.
3.1.49
MXene
class of two-dimensional inorganic compound consisting of a few-atomic-layer thick transition metal carbide,
nitride or carbonitride
3.1.50
MAX phase
layered, hexagonal carbide and nitride which have the general chemical formula given in Formula (1) ::
M AX (MAX) (1)
n+1 n′
NOTE
where
n = 1 to 4;
M is an early transition metal;
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
A is an A-group (mostly IIIA and IVA, or groups 13 and 14) element;
X is carbon and/or nitrogen.
3.1.51
metallized ceramic
fine ceramic product with a coherent, predominantly metal layer applied to its surface
Note 1 to entry: Processes for metallization include painting, printing, electrolytic deposition and physical vapour
deposition (3.2.51) .
Note 2 to entry: Metallization is carried out for specific modification of surface properties or to produce an interlayer for
promoting the formation of a high-integrity bond with another material (often metallic).
3.1.52
monolithic ceramic
fine ceramic which has undergone consolidation (3.2.23) through sintering (3.2.70) to obtain a microstructure
consisting predominantly of ceramic grains of one or more phases which are homogeneously distributed on a
scale which is small compared to the dimensions of the part
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic parts with low or moderate porosity are included, whereas ceramic matrix composites with
ceramic filaments are excluded.
Note 2 to entry: A secondary phase can also be non-ceramic.
3.1.53
multiferroic ceramic
fine ceramic that exhibits more than one ferroic characteristic, i.e. ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity and
ferroelasticity, simultaneously
Note 1 to entry: Multiferroic ceramics consist of two categories, i.e. single-phase multiferroics and composites or
heterostructures exhibiting more than one ferroic characteristic. Typical single-phase multiferroics include TbMnO3 and
BiFeO .
3.1.54
multidirectional ceramic matrix composite xD (x > 2) material
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) where the continuous fibre reinforcement (3.2.65) is spatially distributed in
at least three directions not in a single plane
3.1.55
multi-layer ceramic capacitor
MLCC
capacitor constructed by repeatedly stacking dielectric ceramic (3.1.28) layers and metal layers
3.1.56
multi-layered ceramic matrix composite
ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) where the matrix is composed of layers of different chemical compositions
3.1.57
nanocomposite ceramic
composite with highly designed microstructure in which fine particles of nanometric size are dispersed in a
ceramic matrix
Note 1 to entry: See particulate -reinforced ceramic matrix composite (3.1.62).
Field Code Changed
3.1.58
nanostructured ceramic
ceramic material of which at least one structural or microstructural element has dimensions of 1 nm to
100 nm
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.1.59
non-oxide ceramic
fine ceramic produced primarily from substantially pure metallic carbides, nitrides, borides or silicides, or
from mixtures and/or solid solutions thereof
3.1.60
opto-electronic ceramic
ceramic for electrical applications, typically a ferroelectric ceramic in which the optical properties are
controlled by electrical means
3.1.61
oxide ceramic
fine ceramic produced primarily from substantially pure metallic oxides or from mixtures and/or solid
solutions thereof
Note 1 to entry: This term may also be applied to ceramics other than fine ceramics.
3.1.62
particulate-reinforced ceramic matrix composite
ceramic matrix composite in which the reinforcing components are particles of equiaxed or platelet geometry
(in contrast to whiskers or short fibres)
Note 1 to entry: See nanocomposite ceramic (3.1.57).
Field Code Changed
3.1.63
piezoelectric ceramic
piezoceramic
ceramic for electrical applications (3.1.15) , typically a ferroelectric ceramic (3.1.34) in which the elastic and
dielectric properties are coupled, with practically linear dependence, between the magnitude and direction of
mechanical force applied and the electric charge created, or conversely, between the strength and direction of
an electric driving field and the elastic deformation obtained
Note 1 to entry: Typical piezoelectric ceramics include barium titanate and lead zirconium titanate (3.4.30) .
Note 2 to entry: Elastic deformation under the influence of an electric driving field is termed the inverse piezoelectric
effect.
Note 3 to entry: Piezoelectric ceramics are capable of transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy or signals
and vice versa.
3.1.64
photocatalyst
substance that performs one or more catalytic functions based on oxidation or reduction reactions under
photoirradiation
Note 1 to entry: The functions include decomposition and removal of air and water contaminants, deodorization,
antibacterial (3.3.1) , self-cleaning and antifogging actions. A photocatalyst (3.1.64) can also be used for light energy
conversion.
3.1.65
photocatalytic material
material in which or on which the photocatalyst is added by coating, impregnation or mixing
Note 1 to entry: Materials include ceramic, metal, plastic, paper and cloth for general purposes.
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.1.66
porous ceramic
ceramic (3.1.7) with pores
Note 1 to entry: Porosity and pore diameter range widely and are typically 30 % to 60 % and 0,05 μm to 100 μm,
respectively.
Note 2 to entry: Porous ceramics are applied to filters, catalyst carriers, humidity sensors or molecular sieves, excluding
structured honeycomb cellular channels.
3.1.67
pre-stressed ceramics
ceramic components with high strength and damage tolerance because of residual compressive stresses in the
surface layer and residual tensile stresses in the inner body, and the total force in a section is zero due to stress
balance
3.1.68
relaxor dielectric
class of perovskite ferroelectric that shows significant changes in permittivity and loss tangent with frequency
3.1.69
representative volume element
RVE
minimum volume that is representative of the ceramic matrix composite considered
3.1.70
semiconducting photocatalyst
substance that displays photocatalytic action based on its electronic band structure
Note 1 to entry: This applies to metal oxides, like titanium dioxide, and sulfides. Photocatalysts which are not
semiconducting include metal complexes.
3.1.71
silicate ceramic
ceramic made mainly from minerals and/or other siliceous raw materials, resulting in a microstructure with
a substantial amount of silicate phases
Note 1 to entry: Electrical porcelain and steatite ceramics are typical silicate ceramics.
3.1.72
soft ferrite
ferrite having a weak magnetic anisotropy, resulting in high magnetic permeability and low magnetic loss
EXAMPLE Manganese-zinc-ferro-ferrite with spinel type crystal structure, used for coils, transformers for energy
conversion; ferrite with garnet-type crystal structure, such as yttrium iron garnet, used for microwave applications.
3.1.73
structural ceramic
fine ceramic employed primarily in structural applications for its mechanical or thermomechanical
performance
Note 1 to entry: The term “structural ceramic” is also applied to clay products for constructional purposes.
3.1.74
spintronic ceramic
ceramic that utilizes the charge (electronic conductivity) and the spin (magnetization) of electrons
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
Note 1 to entry: Typical applications include the magnetic head on a hard disk utilizing the giant magneto resistivity
(GMR) effect, as well as non-volatile magneto-resistive random-access memory (MRAM).
3.1.75
superconducting ceramic
ceramic for electrical applications showing practically zero electrical resistance below a certain temperature
Note 1 to entry: Superconducting ceramics typically comprise certain combinations of oxides of copper, rare earths,
barium, strontium, calcium, thallium and/or mercury and most of them are high-temperature superconductors.
3.1.76
surface-modified ceramic
fine ceramic in which the surface has been subjected to a deliberate physical or compositional modification
Note 1 to entry: Surface modification is normally intended to enhance properties or performance.
Note 2 to entry: Modification processes include ion diffusion, ion implantation, ion exchange and chemical reactions such
as oxidation.
3.1.77
thick ceramic coating
ceramic coating of a thickness typically equal to or greater than 10 μm
Note 1 to entry: Thick ceramic coatings are produced typically by thick film technology such as dipping (slurry), screen
printing or plasma spraying.
3.1.78
thin ceramic coating
ceramic coating of a thickness typically less than 10 μm
Note 1 to entry: Thin ceramic coatings are produced typically by thin film technology such as the sol-gel coating process
(dipping, spin coating) and the chemical and physical vapour deposition process.
3.1.79
ultra-high-temperature ceramic
UHTC
class of refractory ceramics that offer excellent stability at temperatures exceeding 2 000 °C being investigated
as possible thermal protection system (TPS) materials, coatings for materials subjected to high temperatures
and bulk materials for heating elements
Note 1 to entry: Broadly speaking, UHTCs are borides, carbides, nitrides and oxides of early transition metals.
3.1.80
unidirectional (1D) ceramic matrix composite
ceramic matrix composite with continuous reinforcement which is distributed in one single direction
Note 1 to entry: The reinforcement typically comprises ceramic filaments.
3.2 Terms forrelated to forming and processing
3.2.1
aerosol deposition
AD
process for the formation of ceramic coatings based on the shock-consolidation of fine powder jet at room
temperature
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.2.2
as-fired surface
external surface of a ceramic product after sintering
Note 1 to entry: The as-fired surface maycan be relatively rough compared with surfaces machined after sintering and
maycan have, for example, pits and adherent debris.
3.2.3
binder
one or more mainly organic compounds which are added to the ceramic body in order to enhance compaction
and/or to provide enough strength to the green body to permit handling, green machining or other operations
prior to sintering
3.2.4
binder phase
tough matrix phase embedding a rigid, hard, main, ceramic phase in a composite material
Note 1 to entry: Binder phase: cobalt, nickel; hard phase: tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide.
Note 2 to entry: A tough matrix phase reduces the brittleness and crack sensitivity and improves the strength and
toughness of the composite material.
3.2.5
calcining
calcination
process for changing the chemical composition and/or phases of a powder or powder compact by the action
of heat and atmosphere prior to consolidation and processing
Note 1 to entry: This process is typically used for the removal of organic material, combined water and/or volatile
material from a powder or powder compact.
3.2.6
casting
drain (hollow) casting
slip casting
forming ceramic ware by introducing a body slip into an open, porous mould and then draining off the
remaining slip when the cast piece has reached the desired thickness
3.2.7
ceramic agglomerate
accretion of ceramic particles forming a coherent, but weakly bonded, mass
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic agglomerates are unintentionally generated during manufacture and preparation of ceramic
powders for ceramic production and can be difficult to break down.
3.2.8
ceramic aggregate
accretion of ceramic particles forming a coherent mass with strong interfacial bonding
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic aggregates are intentionally generated during manufacture and preparation of ceramic powders
and are difficult to break down.
3.2.9
ceramic body
totality of all inorganic and organic raw material constituents after preparation of ceramic powder (3.2.16) but
before the shaping and heat treatment to produce a ceramic
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.2.10
ceramic fibre
unit of ceramic matter constituting a fibrous reinforcement (3.2.29) of a composite material, characterized by
a high length-to-diameter ratio (at least > 100)
Note 1 to entry: Three main types of ceramic fibres can be distinguished: carbon fibres, silicon carbide fibres and oxide
fibres (essentially alumina, basalt and mullite).
Note 2 to entry: Depending on aspect ratio value, short fibres can be distinguished from continuous or long fibres, also
called ceramic filaments.
3.2.11
ceramic filament
single ceramic fibre (3.2.10) of small diameter considered to be continuous
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic filaments are typically used as reinforcement (3.2.65) in continuous fibre ceramic matrix
composites, as tow (3.2.79) and as woven or non-woven fabrics.
3.2.12
ceramic grain
individual crystal within the polycrystalline microstructure of a ceramic
Note 1 to entry: This term is also used for individual, usually hard, particles of abrasive or refractory materials.
3.2.13
ceramic granulate
mass of granules produced from a ceramic body (3.2.9) , usually in a free-flowing form, used as a feedstock for
producing a green body (3.2.33)
Note 1 to entry: There are many granulation processes; the size of the granules is typically 40 μm or greater.
3.2.14
ceramic particle
small quantity of ceramic matter, monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous, in a discrete mass of size
and shape controlled by its fabrication process
Note 1 to entry: Individual particles may accrete into unintentional ceramic agglomerates or intentional ceramic
aggregates or may be processed to form a ceramic granulate (3.2.13) .
3.2.15
ceramic platelet
unit of ceramic matter, consisting typically of a single crystal in a plate-like shape
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic platelets may consist of oxide or non-oxide material.
Note 2 to entry: Ceramic platelets are used as reinforcement (3.2.65) in ceramic matrix composites, in which case the
width of the platelets is usually smaller than 50 μm.
3.2.16
ceramic (powder) preparation
preparation of ceramic powder
process of converting powders and additives into a ceramic body (3.2.9) , usually by comminution and/or
mixing of the powder with binders and lubricants to provide the required chemical and physical
characteristics
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.2.17
ceramic precursor
chemical or mixture of chemicals employed for the manufacture of a ceramic powder, ceramic granulate,
(3.2.13), thin ceramic coating (3.1.78) , monolithic ceramic (3.1.52) or ceramic matrix composite, (3.1.21), or
ceramic fibres, ceramic whiskers or ceramic platelets, differing in composition from the fabricated ceramic
product
EXAMPLE Gaseous silicon tetrachloride used for the formation of silicon nitride and silicon carbide; metal alkoxides
used for the formation of metal oxide powders.
Note 1 to entry: This term is usually applied to gas or liquid mixtures which are decomposed to form ceramic materials.
3.2.18
ceramic whisker
unit of ceramic matter, consisting typically of a single crystal having a needle-like shape
Note 1 to entry: Ceramic whiskers may consist of oxide or non-oxide material.
Note 2 to entry: Ceramic whiskers may be used as reinforcement (3.2.65) in ceramic matrix composites, in which case the
diameter of the crystals is usually smaller than 3 μm, the aspect ratio being less than 100.
3.2.19
chemical vapour deposition
CVD
process for producing a fine ceramic (3.1.1) by reacting gaseous species and condensing the reaction product
or by heterogeneous reaction at the surface of a substrate
Note 1 to entry: This process may be used for the preparation of a solid ceramic, a ceramic powder or a ceramic coating
or for infiltration of a heated substrate.
3.2.20
chemical vapour deposition coating process
CVD coating process
chemical vapour deposition used for the formation of a fine ceramic coating on a substrate
3.2.21
chemical vapour infiltration
CVI
chemical vapour deposition through heterogeneous reactions on pore surfaces, used for ceramic matrix
composite consolidation and/or densification
3.2.22
cold isostatic pressing
CIP
process of preparing a green body (3.2.33) from a ceramic powder or a ceramic granulate (3.2.13) by the use
of (pseudo-)isostatic pressure at or near room temperature
Note 1 to entry: This process is sometimes called “CIPing”.
3.2.23
consolidation
process that, in a composite, consists in binding the fibres of a fibrous reinforcement with sufficient quantity
of matrix in order to keep it in final shape
Note 1 to entry: Consolidation methods include mechanical densification, chemical bonding and sintering.
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.2.24
densification
increase in bulk density with decreasing the volume fraction of voids by consolidation and/or sintering
Note 1 to entry: This operation in a ceramic matrix composite (3.1.21) is intended to fill voids in fibrous reinforcement
(3.2.29) with one or several reinforcing matrix phases, and it usually occurs after the consolidation (3.2.23) .
3.2.25
doctor blade process
process to form a ceramic sheet in which ceramic powder, binder and solvent are mixed and spread by a knife
edge (or a doctor blade) on to a carrier film
Note 1 to entry: The doctor blade process is used to form a ceramic sheet with good dimensional accuracy by adjusting
the distance between a knife edge (or a doctor blade) and a carrier film.
Note 2 to entry: The doctor blade process is frequently called tape casting (3.2.78).
Field Code Changed
3.2.26
electrophoretic deposition
EPD
colloidal processing technique in which ceramic particles suspended in a liquid medium migrate under the
influence of an electric field and are deposited onto an electrode having the desired shape of the object to
formbe formed
Note 1 to entry: This technique enables both the shaping of free-standing objects and the deposit of thin films and
coatings on substrates.
3.2.27
extrude, verb
shape a plastic body by forcing material through a die
3.2.28
fibrous preform
form of fibrous reinforcement (3.2.29) , generally of complex geometry, used to obtain near net shape
composite part after consolidation (3.2.23) and/or densification (3.2.24)
3.2.29
fibrous reinforcement
fibre arrangement conferring the composite with mechanical properties higher than those of its constituents
3.2.30
filler
organic or inorganic additive to a fine ceramic, (3.1.1), polymer or metallic body to control processing or
properties
Note 1 to entry: Examples of the use of this term include:
a) organic (or rarely, inorganic) additives to a fine ceramic (3.1.1) body which decompose or burn out during
consolidation (3.2.23) to create intentional porosity, e.g. discrete polymer particles;
b) predominantly inert, usually particular, fine ceramic substances introduced into a fine ceramic body to control
processing or properties, e.g. silicon carbide particles used in a silicon-based polymer precursor for dimensional
control during subsequent consolidation;
c) predominantly inert, usually particular fine ceramic materials introduced into a different matrix (3.1.48) in order to
modify properties, e.g. aluminium oxide or hydroxide introduced into a polymer to modify stiffness or wear
resistance.
ISO/DISPRF 20507:2026(en)
3.2.31
gel casting
process of shaping and forming a green body (3.2.33) using the phenomenon of gelation of a suspension
3.2.32
gas pressure sintering
GPS
sintering by the combined application of heat and gas pressure
EXAMPLE Gasgas pressure sintered silicon nitride (3.4.16) (GPSSN).
Note 1 to entry: The gas pressure is typically not greater than 10 MPa.
3.2.33
green body
green part
ceramic body (3.2.9) that is compacted and/or shaped, but not yet heat-treated
3.2.34
green machining
machining of a green body (3.2.33) to a predetermined shape
3.2.35
hot isostatic pressing
HIP
process of making a fine ceramic (3.1.1) by application of an isostatic gas pressure at elevated temperatures
Note 1 to entry: The object may be an encapsulated powder or green body (3.2.33) , or a pre-densified fine ceramic. Gas
pressures are typically much greater than 10 MPa.
Note 2 to entry: This process is sometimes called “HIPing”.
3.2.36
(uniaxial) hot pressing
HP
process of making a fine ceramic (3.1.1) , normally by application of a unidirectional (uniaxial) force at elevated
temperature
Note 1 to entry: For uniaxial hot pressing, an inductively heated graphite die is usually employed.
3.2.37
hydrothermal synthesis
process of preparing fine ceramics and other inorganic materials by chemical reaction in aqueous solution
under high temperature and pressure in a pressure vessel
Note 1 to entry: An example of a pressure vessel is an autoclave.
Note 2 to entry: Fine ceramics in powder, film or bulk forms may be prepared by hydrothermal synthesis (3.2.37) .
3.
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