Ceramic Formation & Clay Ceramics

This set of Engineering Materials & Metallurgy Multiple Choice Questions & Answers
(MCQs) focuses on “Ceramic Formation & Clay Ceramics”.

1. Which of the following is a glass forming technique?

a) Powder pressing
b) Hydro-plastic forming
c) Slip casting
d) Fiber forming
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Glass forming is done by heating the raw materials to elevated temperatures. The
common glass forming techniques are Pressing, Blowing, Drawing, and Fiber forming. Glass
forming operation does not require drying and firing of the materials.
2. Drawing and firing operations are done on which of these processes?
a) Pressing
b) Fiber forming
c) Blowing
d) Slip casting
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Slip casting, along with hydro-plastic forming and powder pressing, is a particulate
forming process of ceramic fabrication. All the processes of particulate forming undergo drying
and firing operations. Drying process removes the liquid, whereas firing improves its density and
strength.
3. Which of the following is not a form of powder pressing?
a) Hot pressing
b) Cold pressing
c) Uniaxial
d) Isostatic
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Powder pressing is a ceramic formation technique used to fabricate both clay and
non-clay compositions. A powdered substance is added with water and pressure is applied in this
process. Uniaxial, Isostatic (hydrostatic), and hot pressing are the three types of powder pressing
operations.
4. What is the firing temperature for particulate forming processes?
a) 50-100oC
b) 150-250oC
c) 300-700oC
d) 900-1400oC
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Firing is a process carried out to improve the strength and density of a part, under
the application of high temperature. This is generally carried out after the drying process. After
drying, the body is fired at a temperature of 900oC to 1400oC. This temperature depends on the
composition and properties of the component.
5. What does the term ‘green’ refer to for drying and firing operations?
a) Fired but not dried
b) Dried but not fired
c) Dried then fired
d) Fired then dried
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Drying and firing are two operations carried out in a particulate forming technique of
ceramic fabrication. Usually, the body is dried before it is fired. In some cases, however, the body
may be formed and dried but not fired. Such a body is referred to as ‘green’.
6. Which pressing technique employs a rubber envelope and application of pressure by
fluid?
a) Hot pressing
b) Uniaxial pressing
c) Isostatic pressing
d) Powder pressing
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Hot, uniaxial, and isostatic pressing are techniques of the powder pressing method.
In the isostatic method, a rubber envelope contains the powdered material which is applied
pressure on by a fluid, equally in all directions. This differs from uniaxial pressing as the pressure
is only applied in a single direction for that operation, but is similar in the sense that they both
require being fired after pressing.
7. Which of these holds true for cementitious bonds?
a) High cost
b) Easy to repair
c) Short curing time
d) Hard to repair
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Cementitious bonds are advantageous as the molds and equipment are available
are a low cost and that they are easy to patch and repair. One of the disadvantages of these is
that large castings require a long time for curing.
8. Injection molding can be used for parts of thickness up to __________
a) 4 mm
b) 6 mm
c) 8 mm
d) 12 mm
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Injection molding forms thin, long, and twisted shapes with good reproducibility.
They cannot, however, be used for parts whose thickness is more than 6 mm. Another major
disadvantage of injection molding is that the cost of molds is generally high.
9. What is the common name for fired clay wares?
a) Porcelain
b) Ceramic
c) Pottery
d) China
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Pottery is defined as the generic name for all fired clay ware, where clay is referred
to as a ceramic. This has even been defined by the American Society of Testing Materials.
These days, however, this term has been often associated with being colored and porous.
10. The shape forming process PIM known as __________
a) Porcelain Injection Molding
b) Plastic Injection Molding
c) Particulate Injection Molding
d) Pottery Injection Molding
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Porcelain Injection Molding is a shape forming process employed for fabrication of
tableware. It is generally used for mass production of parts of intricate shapes. However, this is
not a very common method of pottery.
11. What is the firing temperature of structural clay products?
a) 120-180oC
b) 240-300oC
c) 780-940oC
d) 980-1095oC
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Clay products are cut into wires after undergoing the process of crushing,
disintegration, and extrusion. They are then dried and fired at a temperature of 980-1095oC. This
depends on the maturing temperature of the clay.
12. Which of the following is a property of porcelain?
a) Soft
b) Absorbent
c) Vitreous
d) Expensive
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Porcelain is a glazed or unglazed type of whiteware ceramic. They are vitreous in
nature (hard and nonabsorbent). They are usually used for their mechanical, electrical, chemical,
and thermal properties. Unlike china, it requires only a single firing operation due to which it is
cheaper.
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13. What is China commonly used for?

a) Electrical insulators
b) Dinnerware
c) Laboratory equipment
d) Brick
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: China is glazed or unglazed vitreous whiteware ceramic used for nontechnical
purposes. They are mainly used as dinnerware and artworks as they are available in more colors
due to a lower maturing temperature. Porcelain is used for electrical insulators and laboratory
equipment.
14. Salt glazing is a manufacturing technique of _______ ceramics.
a) structural clay
b) porcelain
c) china
d) pottery
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Salt glazing is a technique of fabrication of structural clay products. The salt is
added after the firing process to add a vitreous coating. This is generally used on structural tiles
and conduit.
Ceramics – 2
This set of Engineering Materials and Metallurgy Interview Questions and Answers for
freshers focuses on “Ceramics – 2”.

1. What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of silicon carbide?

a) 9 * 10-6
b) 4.3 * 10-6
c) 3.2 * 10-6
d) 10.6 * 10-6
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Silicon carbide has a good coefficient of thermal expansion of 4.3 * 10-6/oC and that
of alumina is 9 * 10-6/oC. The coefficients of thermal expansion of silicon nitride and sialon are 3.2
* 10-6/oC and 3.04 * 10-6/oC respectively. Among these common ceramics, partially stabilized
zirconia (PSZ) has the highest value of 10.6 * 10-6/oC.

2. Silicon carbides resist oxidation up to ______

a) 100oC
b) 500oC
c) 1000oC
d) 1500oC
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Silicon carbide is the hardest of traditional abrasive materials and has
semiconductor properties. It can resist oxidation temperature as high as 1500oC, which is higher
than the melting point of steel.

3. What disadvantage does silicon carbide have?

a) Tensile strength
b) Oxidation resistance
c) Thermal conductivity
d) Cost
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Silicon carbide has excellent tensile strength, oxidation resistance, and the highest
thermal conductivity among the common engineering ceramics. However, it is expensive and
only available in limited shapes and sizes. It also has a low strength.

4. Which of the following is not a type of silicon nitride ceramics?

a) Reaction bonded silicon nitride
b) Hot pressed silicon nitride
c) Stiff silicon nitride
d) Pressure-less sintered silicon nitride
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Silicon nitride is a fully resistant ceramic when exposed to most acids. They are
classified into different types based on the manufacturing method. Their types are Reaction
bonded silicon nitride (RBSN), Hot pressed silicon nitride (HPSN), Sintered silicon nitride (SSN),
and Pressure-less sintered silicon nitride (PSSN).

5. Partially stabilized zirconia does not exist in which crystalline structure?

a) Cubic
b) Tetragonal
c) Hexagonal
d) Monocyclic
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Zirconium oxide initially exists in the cubic structure at elevated temperature. This
changes into a tetragonal structure upon cooling. At room temperature, this becomes a
monocyclic crystal structure, which causes cracks during cooling.

6. How much of a stabilizing oxide is present in partially stabilized zirconium?

a) 5%
b) 10%
c) 18%
d) 24%
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Zirconia is added with stabilizing oxides to avoid cracking. These stabilizing oxides
may be MgO, CaO, or Y2O3. Partially stabilized zirconium contains about 5% stabilizing oxide,
while fully stabilized oxides contain about 18% of the same.

7. Which ceramic material does Si3Al3O3N5 denote?

a) Silicon carbide
b) Silicon nitride
c) Sialon
d) Silicon alumino nitrate
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Sialon is derived from its constituents, which has been formed into an acronym Si-
Al-O-N. These ceramics have good hardness, toughness, strength, and mechanical properties.
They are used for cutting tool materials, dies, nozzles etc.

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8. On average, what is the maximum use temperature of engineering ceramics?
a) 260oC
b) 815oC
c) 1200oC
d) 2760oC
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Compared to most metals and plastics, ceramics have a very good limit of
maximum use temperature. It lies around 2760oC for ceramics, while metals and plastics lay
lower at 815oC and 260oC respectively.

9. How is the creep strength of ceramics when compared to other materials?

a) Zero
b) Low
c) High
d) Excellent
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Engineering ceramics have good tensile strength, compressive strength, hardness,
and excellent creep resistance. Metals usually have gold creep resistance, but plastics fair
poorly.
Ceramic Formation & Clay Ceramics
This set of Engineering Materials & Metallurgy Multiple Choice Questions & Answers
(MCQs) focuses on “Ceramic Formation & Clay Ceramics”.

1. Which of the following is a glass forming technique?

a) Powder pressing
b) Hydro-plastic forming
c) Slip casting
d) Fiber forming
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Glass forming is done by heating the raw materials to elevated temperatures. The
common glass forming techniques are Pressing, Blowing, Drawing, and Fiber forming. Glass
forming operation does not require drying and firing of the materials.

2. Drawing and firing operations are done on which of these processes?

a) Pressing
b) Fiber forming
c) Blowing
d) Slip casting
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Slip casting, along with hydro-plastic forming and powder pressing, is a particulate
forming process of ceramic fabrication. All the processes of particulate forming undergo drying
and firing operations. Drying process removes the liquid, whereas firing improves its density and
strength.

3. Which of the following is not a form of powder pressing?

a) Hot pressing
b) Cold pressing
c) Uniaxial
d) Isostatic
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Powder pressing is a ceramic formation technique used to fabricate both clay and
non-clay compositions. A powdered substance is added with water and pressure is applied in this
process. Uniaxial, Isostatic (hydrostatic), and hot pressing are the three types of powder pressing
operations.

4. What is the firing temperature for particulate forming processes?

a) 50-100oC
b) 150-250oC
c) 300-700oC
d) 900-1400oC
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Firing is a process carried out to improve the strength and density of a part, under
the application of high temperature. This is generally carried out after the drying process. After
drying, the body is fired at a temperature of 900oC to 1400oC. This temperature depends on the
composition and properties of the component.

5. What does the term ‘green’ refer to for drying and firing operations?
a) Fired but not dried
b) Dried but not fired
c) Dried then fired
d) Fired then dried
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Drying and firing are two operations carried out in a particulate forming technique of
ceramic fabrication. Usually, the body is dried before it is fired. In some cases, however, the body
may be formed and dried but not fired. Such a body is referred to as ‘green’.

6. Which pressing technique employs a rubber envelope and application of pressure by

fluid?
a) Hot pressing
b) Uniaxial pressing
c) Isostatic pressing
d) Powder pressing
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Hot, uniaxial, and isostatic pressing are techniques of the powder pressing method.
In the isostatic method, a rubber envelope contains the powdered material which is applied
pressure on by a fluid, equally in all directions. This differs from uniaxial pressing as the pressure
is only applied in a single direction for that operation, but is similar in the sense that they both
require being fired after pressing.

7. Which of these holds true for cementitious bonds?

a) High cost
b) Easy to repair
c) Short curing time
d) Hard to repair
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Cementitious bonds are advantageous as the molds and equipment are available
are a low cost and that they are easy to patch and repair. One of the disadvantages of these is
that large castings require a long time for curing.

8. Injection molding can be used for parts of thickness up to __________

a) 4 mm
b) 6 mm
c) 8 mm
d) 12 mm
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Injection molding forms thin, long, and twisted shapes with good reproducibility.
They cannot, however, be used for parts whose thickness is more than 6 mm. Another major
disadvantage of injection molding is that the cost of molds is generally high.

9. What is the common name for fired clay wares?

a) Porcelain
b) Ceramic
c) Pottery
d) China
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Pottery is defined as the generic name for all fired clay ware, where clay is referred
to as a ceramic. This has even been defined by the American Society of Testing Materials.
These days, however, this term has been often associated with being colored and porous.

10. The shape forming process PIM known as __________

a) Porcelain Injection Molding
b) Plastic Injection Molding
c) Particulate Injection Molding
d) Pottery Injection Molding
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Porcelain Injection Molding is a shape forming process employed for fabrication of
tableware. It is generally used for mass production of parts of intricate shapes. However, this is
not a very common method of pottery.

11. What is the firing temperature of structural clay products?

a) 120-180oC
b) 240-300oC
c) 780-940oC
d) 980-1095oC
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Clay products are cut into wires after undergoing the process of crushing,
disintegration, and extrusion. They are then dried and fired at a temperature of 980-1095oC. This
depends on the maturing temperature of the clay.

12. Which of the following is a property of porcelain?

a) Soft
b) Absorbent
c) Vitreous
d) Expensive
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Porcelain is a glazed or unglazed type of whiteware ceramic. They are vitreous in
nature (hard and nonabsorbent). They are usually used for their mechanical, electrical, chemical,
and thermal properties. Unlike china, it requires only a single firing operation due to which it is
cheaper.

advertisement

13. What is China commonly used for?

a) Electrical insulators
b) Dinnerware
c) Laboratory equipment
d) Brick
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: China is glazed or unglazed vitreous whiteware ceramic used for nontechnical
purposes. They are mainly used as dinnerware and artworks as they are available in more colors
due to a lower maturing temperature. Porcelain is used for electrical insulators and laboratory
equipment.

14. Salt glazing is a manufacturing technique of _______ ceramics.

a) structural clay
b) porcelain
c) china
d) pottery
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Salt glazing is a technique of fabrication of structural clay products. The salt is
added after the firing process to add a vitreous coating. This is generally used on structural tiles
and conduit.
Mechanical Behaviour Questions and Answers – Dislocations
in Ceramics
This set of Mechanical Behaviour Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses
on “Dislocations in Ceramics”.

1. Polymers don’t have dislocations.

a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Polymers sometimes contain crystalline regions. These regions may contain
dislocations.

2. Which bonding is found in ceramic compounds?

a) Ionic
b) covalent
c) metallic
d) ionic and/or covalent
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Metals have metallic bonding. Ceramic compounds have ionic and/or covalent
bonding. That’s why crystal structures of ionic ceramics are complex.

3. The Burgers vector in ionic crystal dislocations is _____ as compared to that of

metallic solids.
a) Smaller
b) Larger
c) Equal
d) Not specific
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Dislocations in ionic crystals are narrow. Narrow dislocations are difficult to move.
Burgers vector in ionic crystal dislocation is larger than metallic solids.

4. Which planes are most densely packed in NiO crystal?

a) {1 0 0}
b) {1 1 0}
c) {1 1 1}
d) {0 0 0 1}
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: NiO crystal has NaCl type crystal lattice. It consists 2 ions per lattice positions. {1 0
0} are most dense packed planes.

5. Covalent crystals contain ____ dislocations and show _____ nature.

a) Narrow, ductile
b) Narrow, brittle
c) Wide, ductile
d) Wide, brittle
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: covalent crystals are bonded with strong and highly directional forces. The
dislocations in these crystals are very narrow. It makes them very brittle.

6. Covalent crystals don’t show ____

a) Plastic deformation
b) Narrow dislocations
c) High P-N stress
d) Brittleness
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Covalent crystals contain narrow dislocations. It makes them brittle and these don’t
undergo plastic deformation. These crystals show high P-N stress values.

7. Ionic crystals consist _____ bonds.

a) Weak
b) Strong
c) Directional
d) Non-directional
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Ionic Crystals consists of non-directional bonds. These are of moderate strength.
These contain ionic bonding by electron transfer.

8. Simple ionic crystals show no plastic deformation.

a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Simple ionic crystals generally show very less plastic deformation. These show
some plastic deformation when properly oriented with respect to the applied shear stress.
9. What is slip direction in CsCl?
a) <1 1 1>
b) <1 1 0>
c) <1 0 1>
d) <0 0 1>
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: CsCl has simple cubic symmetry with two interpenetrating ion lattices. Ions touch
along <1 1 1> directions. Slip direction is of the <0 0 1> type.

10. What are slip planes in NaCl crystals?

a) {1 1 1}
b) {1 1 0}
c) {2 1 0}
d) {0 0 0 1}
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: NaCl has FCC structure. In FCC structure metals, slip occurs in {1 1 1} planes. But
due to Coulombic energy, slip occurs in {1 1 0} planes in NaCl crystal.

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11. Layered materials such as graphite and talk _____ deform by ______
a) Elastically, dislocation glide
b) Elastically, twinning
c) Plastically, dislocation glide
d) Plastically, twinning
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Layered materials are crystalline non-metallic. These plastically deform by
dislocation glide. Slip occurs by relative displacement of the strongly bonded planes.

12. What is the most commonly observed slip system in covalent crystals?
a) {1 2 3} <1 1 1>
b) {1 1 1} <1 0 0>
c) {1 1 2} <1 1 1>
d) {1 1 1} <1 1 0>
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The most commonly observed slip system is {1 1 1} <1 0 0>. It is found in Si and
Ge.
Mechanical Behaviour Questions and Answers – Deformation
Behaviour in Ceramics and Polymers
This set of Mechanical Behaviour Questions and Answers for Experienced people
focuses on “Deformation Behaviour in Ceramics and Polymers”.

1. Ceramics are characterized for their ___ shear strength and ___ ductility.
a) High, high
b) High, low
c) Low, high
d) Low, low
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Ceramics contain ionic and covalent bonds. These bonds give them high shear
strength. They have low ductility.

2. Ceramics have low ___

a) Hardness
b) Compressive strength
c) Fracture strength
d) Notch sensitivity
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Ceramics have narrow dislocations. These have low fracture strength. These have
high hardness, compressive strength and notch sensitivity.

3. There are ___ slip systems in NiO.

a) 4
b) 6
c) 8
d) 12
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Slip can occur in NiO on {1 1 0} planes and in <1 1 0> directions. There are only six
slip systems of the type {1 1 0} <1 1 0> in NiO. Whereas slip systems in Ni are 12.

4. What is the magnitude of Burgers vector of dislocations in NiO?

a) 2 Å
b) 2.5 Å
c) 3 Å
d) 3.5 Å
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The magnitude of the Burgers vector of dislocations in ceramics is higher than
metals. Its value is 3 Å for NiO. While it is 2.4 Å for Ni.

5. Stress-strain curve for semi crystalline thermoplastics can be divided into ___
regimes.
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Semi crystalline thermoplastics with unaligned molecules exhibit a different type of
stress-strain behavior. Their stress-strain curve can be divided into 3 regimes.

6. Regime I in stress-strain curve for semi crystalline thermoplastics show ___ behavior.
a) Linear
b) Irregular
c) Fracture point
d) Yield phenomena
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In regime I, stress-strain curve comprises of linear portion. This consists of a low
modulus. This represents the force required to overcome secondary intermolecular bonds.

7. Which polymer doesn’t obey Hooke’s law?

a) Thermoset plastic
b) Thermoplastic below Tg
c) Thermoplastic with oriented molecules
d) Semi crystalline thermoplastic
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Semi crystalline thermoplastics show plastic deformation and yield point. Thermoset
plastics show the almost linear stress-strain curve. Thermoplastics below Tg and with oriented
molecules obey Hooke’s law.

8. Regime I in a tensile curve for polymer comprises of ___ portion with ___ molecules.
a) Linear, low
b) Irregular, low
c) Non-linear, high
d) Linear, high
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In regime I, polymer shows a linear curve. According to its slope, it shows low
modulus. This represents the stress required to overcome the intermolecular secondary bonds.

9. During the stage of work hardening ___ structure develops.

a) Equiaxed
b) Microfibrillar
c) Neck
d) Fine grained
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Work hardening begins during Regime III. It continues up to fracture point of a
specimen. During this stage, microfibrillar structure is developed.

10. Above glass transition temperature, polymer is ___

a) Hard
b) Stiff
c) Brittle
d) Ductile
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Above glass transition temperature (Tg), polymer is soft and ductile. Below Tg,
polymer is hard, stiff and brittle. This temperature depends on various parameters.

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11. HDPE has a lower UTS than LDPE.

a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: HDPE is more crystalline than LDPE. Because of high crystallinity, Intermolecular
bonding is stronger. Hence it shows higher UTS.

12. A tensile strength of a polymer may be equal, greater or less than the yield strength.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: UTS in case of polymers may be greater, equal to or less than the yield strength. As
for PI (TP), it is equal (172 MPa). For Nylon 6,6 UTS is greater than yield strength.

Mechanical Behaviour Questions and Answers –

Strengthening of Ceramics
This set of Mechanical Behaviour Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses
on “Strengthening of Ceramics”.

1. In general, ceramics fail under ___________ stress.

a) Shear
b) Compressive
c) Tensile
d) Normal
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Ceramics have good shear and compressive strength. While their tensile strength is
poor. So these fail under tensile stress.

2. Low tensile strength of ceramics is related to ___________

a) Dislocations
b) Structural defects
c) Grain boundaries
d) Vacancy
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The low tensile strength of ceramics can be correlated to the presence of structural
defects. These generate during fabrication. These are pores, voids, surface flaws, inclusions etc.

3. What is the common process of fabrication of ceramics?

a) Sintering
b) Rolling
c) Forging
d) Casting
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Ceramics are commonly fabricated by sintering. This may be a liquid or solid phase.
Ceramics have very high melting points so melting and casting are difficult.

4. Presence of pores in ceramics ____________ the true cross-section over which the
applied load is acting.
a) Increase
b) Decrease
c) Doesn’t change
d) Can increase or decrease
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Pores in ceramic bodies reduces true cross-section over which the load is applied. It
is because of empty sites. It reduces UTS of ceramics.

5. The strength ____________ with increasing the volume fraction of pores.

a) Linearly decreases
b) Linearly increases
c) Exponentially increases
d) Exponentially decreases
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Strength of ceramic is given by:
σp = σ0 exp(-BP)
Where P is volume fraction porosity. Hence strength exponentially reduces with increase in
pores.

6. Surface compressive stresses enhance ______________ of ceramic.

a) Thermal shock resistance
b) Volume
c) Ductility
d) Grain boundary area
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Surface compressive stress enhances thermal shock resistance. It causes
strengthening. In this process, a surface layer with higher volume than the original matrix is
generated.

7. Smaller the grain size ____________ will be the fracture stress.

a) Higher
b) Lower
c) Constant
d) Can’t say
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Smaller the grain size, finer will be surface flow. Hence, high stress will be required
to crack the ceramic. So fracture stress will be higher.
8. __________ glass is thermally strengthened glass.
a) Quenched
b) Tempered
c) Ceramic
d) Polycrystalline
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Tempered glass is thermally strengthened glass. Thermal strengthening involves
heating glass uniformly to softening temperature then chilling by blast of air or oil.

9. Tempered glass consists __________ stresses at center and _______ at the surface.
a) Tensile, tensile
b) Tensile, compressive
c) Compressive, tensile
d) Compressive, compressive
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Tempered glass is given quenching and temper treatment. It generates tensile
stresses at centre while compressive at surface. It makes it very strong.

10. In following options, what is not a purpose of glazing?

a) Introduce residual surface compressive stress
b) Make ceramic impermeable to liquid
c) Make article attractive
d) Coarsening of grain size
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Glazing is used to strengthen glass-ceramics. It develops residual compressive
stresses. It makes ceramic attractive and impermeable to liquid.

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11. Glazes are alumina mixtures.

a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Glazes are silicate mixtures. These are similar to silicate glasses. These are mixed
with water to apply on a ceramic body in form of a slip.

12. Ion implantation causes improvement in fracture toughness and fatigue strength.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Ion implantation introduces residual compressive surface stresses. These stresses
tend to close surface cracks of ceramics and raise their toughness. This also improves fatigue
strength.

Toughening in Ceramics
This set of Mechanical Behaviour Question Paper focuses on “Toughening in Ceramics”.

1. What is the reason for limited applications of ceramics in structural applications?

a) Brittle nature
b) Poor surface finish
c) Poor aesthetic
d) Less tensile strength.
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Brittle nature is the main problem in ceramics. Structural applications require some
ductility. Brittle ceramics undergo catastrophic failure.

2. What is the relation between critical fracture stress and flaw size?
a) σfr α a
b) σfr α a2
c) σfr α 1/a
d) σfr α 1/(a)1/2
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: σfr α Eϒ/ (a)1/2. Here, E is the elastic modulus. Fracture surface energy is ϒ and a is
the flaw size.

3. What is an example of alloyed ceramic?

a) Pewter
b) Sialon
c) Monel
d) Amalgam
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Pewter is an alloy of tin, copper and antimony. Monel is alloy of Nickel and Copper.
Sialon is alloyed ceramic of Si3N4 and other ceramics.
4. What is on X and Y axis on R-curves?
a) Stress intensity factor versus crack length
b) Fracture surface energy versus crack length
c) Critical fracture stress versus elastic modulus.
d) Critical fracture stress versus fracture strength
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The stress intensity factor (toughness) is showed as K. It is taken on the Y axis.
Crack length is taken on X-axis of R-curves.

5. Which material shows a gradual rising R-curve with failure governed by R-curve
behaviour?
a) High toughness and strength
b) High toughness / low strength
c) Low toughness / strength
d) Low toughness and strength
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Materials are of 2 types. High toughness/low strength and low toughness/high
strength. The former one shows gradual rising R-curve with failure governed by R-curve
behaviour.

6. Which materials show steeply rising R-curve?

a) High toughness and strength
b) High toughness / low strength
c) Low toughness / strength
d) Low toughness and strength
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Materials are of 2 types. High toughness/low strength and low toughness/high
strength. The later ones show steeply rising R-curve and failure occurs in accordance with the
Griffith theory.

7. In which technique ceramics are toughened by incorporation of second phase

whiskers?
a) Crack deflection
b) Transformation
c) Crack bridging
d) Microcrack
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Crack deflection occurs at grain boundaries. This is because the stress is no longer
normal to the crack plane. Whiskers are also used for deflection.

8. In what temperature range zirconia is cubic?

a) Below 1100˚C
b) 1100-2360˚C
c) 2360-2680˚C
d) Above 2680˚C
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Zirconia has a cubic structure from 2360 to 2680˚C. 2680˚C is the melting point of
zirconia. This cubic structure is of CaF2 type.

9. What is the structure of zirconia in a temperature range of 1100 to 2360˚C?

a) Monoclinic
b) Cubic
c) Tetragonal
d) Hexagonal
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Zirconia solidifies as cubic FCC structure at 2680˚C. At 2360˚C, it undergoes phase
transformation. Its structure changes to distorted tetragonal.

10. What is the volume % change in a transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The phase transformation causes 3% volume change. It is anisotropic. It causes the
development of cracks.