Foam Ceramics are primarily classified in three ways: by the connectivity of the pores, the size of the pores, and the chemical composition of the material.

1. Classification by Pore Connectivity

Based on whether each pore has a solid wall, foam ceramics can be divided into open-cell (reticulated) ceramic materials and closed-cell ceramic materials. If the solid material forming the foam is only contained within the pore struts, it is called an open-cell ceramic material, and its pores are interconnected. If solid walls exist, the foam is called a closed-cell ceramic material, where the pores are separated from each other by a continuous ceramic matrix. However, most foam ceramics contain both open pores and a small number of closed pores.

2. Classification by Pore Size

According to the size of the pores, foam ceramics can generally be divided into two main categories: microporous and macroporous materials. Generally speaking, materials with a pore diameter less than 2 nm are microporous materials; pores between 2 and 50 nm are mesoporous materials; and pores larger than 50 nm are macroporous materials.

3. Classification by Material Composition

Based on their material composition, foam ceramics can be divided into several types:

Diatomaceous earth materials: Primarily made from selected diatomaceous earth and clay, sintered together. They are used for fine filtration of water and acidic media.

Aluminosilicate materials: Use refractory clay grog, calcined bauxite, sillimaNite, and synthetic mullite particles as aggregates. They are resistant to acids and weak bases, with a maximum service temperature of up to 1000∘C.

High-silica silicate materials: Mainly produced with hard porcelain slag, acid-resistant ceramic slag, and other acid-resistant synthetic ceramic particles as aggregates. They are water- and acid-resistant, with a maximum service temperature of 700∘C.

Earthenware materials: Their composition is similar to high-silica silicate materials. They are a type of microporous ceramic material primarily obtained by mixing various clay grog particles with clay.

Corundum and silicon carbide materials: Use different grades of fused corundum and silicon carbide particles as aggregates. They are resistant to strong acids and high temperatures, with a maximum service temperature of up to 1600∘C.

Zirconia materials: The basic material is zirconia (ZrO2​). They possess high strength and high-temperature impact resistance, with a thermal resistance above 1700∘C.

In conclusion, the classification system for foam ceramics clearly reveals their diverse characteristics. Whether based on pore structure, pore size, or specific material composition, each classification corresponds to specific performance advantages and application scenarios. These classifications not only provide theoretical guidance for the production and research and development of foam ceramics but also lay the foundation for us to select and design suitable foam ceramic products according to specific needs. With the continuous emergence of new materials and technologies, the classification and application of foam ceramics will also continue to expand and deepen.

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