What mechanical property do ceramics possess at higher levels that surpass those of steels?

Ceramics are known for their exceptional hardness, which is one of their most prominent mechanical properties. This characteristic allows ceramics to withstand significant wear, indentation, and abrasion, making them suitable for applications where durability and resistance to deformation are critical. When compared to steels, ceramics generally exhibit higher levels of hardness due to their strong ionic and covalent bonding structures, which contribute to their rigidity and ability to maintain shape under stress.

In contrast to ceramics, due to their metallic nature, steels typically possess better ductility and toughness, which allows them to deform rather than fracture under stress. However, they do not achieve the same levels of hardness as ceramics. Therefore, in contexts where extreme hardness is required—such as in cutting tools, abrasives, and wear-resistant coatings—ceramics are often chosen for their superior performance in these areas.