DEPARTMENT OF CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY

In the emerging scenario, advanced ceramic materials have become increasingly important due to their better tailor made properties, longer life and lower costs. The growth of ceramic industry in India during the past fifty years is commendable. Realizing the urgent need and demand for trained man power required for the ceramic industries in India, Anna University started a M.Tech Degree Programme in Ceramic Technology in the Department of Chemical Engineering during the academic year 1990 – 91 with a financial support of Rs.50 lakhs from M/s Carborundum Universal Ltd., Chennai. Division of Ceramic Technology was formed in the year 1993. A B.Tech Programme in Ceramic Technology was also started during the year 1996 – 97 with a financial support of Rs.25 lakhs from M/s Carborundum Universal Ltd., Chennai. The B.Tech and M.Tech Programme offers excellent opportunities to the students to possess hands on experience in the industry during the programme. The course structure is designed to give equal weightages to both traditional and advanced ceramics.

Research activities leading to Ph.D Degree have been initiated from the year 1992. The Division of Ceramic Technology was elevated as a Centre for Ceramic Technology from December 1999. The Centre has been upgraded as a separate Department since 2003. The Department has produced 20 Ph.D theses so far and currently 5 research scholars are working for their Ph.Ds. 15 National / International Conferences / Seminars / Workshops have been organised so far in the Department. 50 Research papers have been published in National / International Journals so far. The research activities are focused on the development of Structural Ceramics, Electronic Ceramics, Magnetic Ceramics and Bioceramics. A sum of about Rs. 2.5 Crores have been generated so far from various funding agencies and Industries through sponsorship, funded projects, testing and consultancy from its birth (1990).

MISSION

To serve as a resource centre for Ceramic Science and Technology and to stimulate R&D activities in the technological and commercial development of new products and processes, useful for the Indian Ceramic and allied industries.
The mission is carried out by
• Contributing to education in Ceramic Science and Technology
• Conducting basic and applied programmes at the forefront of Ceramic Science and Technology which is relevant to the Indian Industry

VISION

Short Term Goal:

To develop infrastructure facilities for establishing ceramic laboratory with specialization on traditional ceramics, structural ceramics, bio-ceramics and electronic ceramics.
To concentrate on development of research activities and generate funds in the Department through R&D projects.
To serve as a nodal centre for testing and quality analysis for catering to the needs of Ceramic and Allied Industries in and around Tamilnadu.
Long Term Goal:

To develop Processing and Testing Centre for Excellence similar to that of CERAM, UK in the area of ceramics and cater the needs of Ceramic and Allied Industries.