Course detail

Processing of Nonmetallic Materials

FSI-WNKAcad. year: 2025/2026

This course deals with the technology basics of advanced ceramics, glass-ceramics and plastics. The emphasis is put on technology principles of particular classes of materials. Processing methods are discussed with respect to the nature and properties of materials. The course includes an overview of processing of ceramics-ceramics composites, glass-ceramics composites and ceramics-metal composites.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Martin Trunec, Dr.

Department

Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (ÚMVI)

Entry knowledge

Students have to prove the knowledge of structure and properties of non-metallic materials. Knowledge of chemistry is assumed on the secondary school level enhanced by basic knowledge of surface chemistry (surface and interparticle forces).

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Graded course-unit credit requirements: Examination will be carried out in the way of discussion with the student. During the discussion students will prove the knowledge of principles of non-metallic materials processing methods. Each student will get a selected product of non-metallic material with a brief material and purpose descriptions. In the following discussion students have to be able to choose an appropriate fabrication method. This method has to be described and justified.
The presence of students at lessons will be checked. Compensation for missed lessons will be solved case by case.

Aims

The aim of the course is to present the basic overview of methods for advanced non-metallic materials processing. Students will learn of principles of particular methods and of their relation to the materials.
Participants of the course will be able to analyse processing needs of particular materials and select the appropriate processing method for a selected application.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Anderson, J.C., Leaver, K.D., Rawlings, R.D., Alexander, J.M.: Materials Science, 4th edition, Chapman @Hall, London 1990 (EN)
Reed, J.S.: Principles of Ceramic Processing, 2nd edition, John Wiley @ Sons, New York 1995 (EN)
Rosato, D.V., Rosato, D.V., Rosato M.G.: Injection Molding Handbook, 3rd edition, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston 2000 (EN)

Recommended reading

Richerson, D.W.: Modern Ceramic Engineering, 2nd edition, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston 2000 (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-ZSI-P Bachelor's

    specialization MTI , 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Martin Trunec, Dr.

Syllabus

1. Classification of non-metallic materials and their characterisation from processing viewpoint - ceramics, glass and glass-ceramics, plastics, non-metallic composites
2. Principles of ceramics processing; introduction, powder treatment and powder evaluation
3. Shaping of ceramic green bodies; dry shaping
4. Shaping of ceramic green bodies; wet shaping - dense and porous ceramics
5. Shaping of ceramic green bodies; plastic shaping, additive methods
6. Drying and binder removal, sintering
7. Machining of sintered parts, single crystal fabrication
8. Principles of glass processing and glass-ceramics processing; introduction, glass melting
9. Glass shaping; casting, pressing, rolling, float process, blowing
10. Thermal processing of glass and glass-ceramics
11. Principles of plastics processing; introduction, thermoplatics, thermosets, elastomers
12. Shaping of plastics; injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, fibres fabrication
13. Composites processing; classification, ceramics; ceramics
composites, ceramics; plastics composites

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Martin Trunec, Dr.

Syllabus

Seminars (except the first and the last) will be carried out in a way of excursions to the labs and to the workplaces where technological equipment will be shown. Real demonstration of methods and techniques will be presented.

1. Introduction to products made of ceramics, glass and plastics. Their use in practice, connection between processing and materials properties; real examples and demonstrations
2. Equipment for powder treatment and evaluation
3. Uniaxial and isostatic powder pressing
4. Suspensions preparation, centrifugation, suspension casting
5. Preparation of thermoplastic suspensions and their evaluation
6. Injection moulding and extrusion of ceramics
7. Binder removal and sintering
8. Cutting, grinding and polishing of ceramics and glass
9. Shaping of laboratory glass, glass apparatus fabrication
10. Injection moulding and extrusion of plastics
11. Design and fabrication of injection moulding moulds for plastics and ceramics
12. Pressing of plastics films and fibre preparation
13. Examination