From ancient art to high technologies: how ceramics became more than pottery?
Since its invention in the Paleolithic era, the art of fabricating ceramics has seen evolutions such as the development of pottery, glass, concrete, and porcelain. But it is only in the middle of the 20th century that advanced ceramics started to be developed.
They have since played a major role in some of the biggest inventions of the industrial revolution and nowadays in high performance technologies such as medicine, space exploration, electronics, but also in more mundane daily applications.
One category of ceramics that is little known is refractories. The production of most ceramics and glasses, as well as other commodities like metals and cement, would not be possible without these materials. Refractories are critical materials that resist aggressive conditions, including high temperature (above 1500°C), chemical and acid attack, abrasion, mechanical impact and more.
This presentation will explore the latest in French-related science and technology, including engineering, socio-economic sciences and the humanities.
Held in English in a relaxed atmosphere, though some French may occur!
About the speaker
Dr Pauline Calloch is a research scientist in the Advanced Materials team at Callaghan Innovation. She obtained a Masters degree in Industrial Ceramics from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Céramique Industrielle (ENSCI, Limoges, France).
She followed on by completing her PhD at Industrial Research Ltd (now Callaghan Innovation), The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, and Victoria University of Wellington.
Pauline’s work focuses on applied research, in partnership with New Zealand companies, in areas such as advanced ceramics, powder metallurgy, powder processing and materials characterisation.
Venue: Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington
For further information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/cafe-scientifique-how-ceramics-became-more-than-pottery/wellington
Related content
For a great introduction to our wide range of related resources, including student activities, checkout, Ceramics – introduction.
Explore the timeline to look at some of the historical aspects of advanced ceramics.
