In this module, we will first review the structure and bonding in the materials in general followed by a brief discussion on how atoms pack together in the solids and what are the types of interstices present in various structures. Then we would briefly delve into the types of bonding with reference to the nature of materials. Together, this information will form the basis for structures in ceramic materials which are typically bonded with a mix of ionic and covalent bonding. Subsequently, we would discuss the structure of ceramic materials with purely covalent bonding followed by rather detailed description of ceramic materials with ionic bonding. These are essentially based on packing of anions closed packed forms where cations fill the interstices.
