Final answer:
General information about firing conditions can be found in resources on materials science, ceramics engineering, or metallurgical engineering, covering temperature, atmosphere, and time aspects of processing materials in a kiln or furnace.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find general information about firing conditions, you would typically look into resources focused on materials science, ceramics engineering, or metallurgical engineering. The firing condition refers to the specific variables, such as temperature, atmosphere, and time, under which a material, often ceramic or metal, is processed in a kiln or furnace. Books, academic journals, and manufacturer specifications are some of the best sources for this type of information.
In college-level courses, an in-depth study of materials processing would cover the effects of varying firing conditions on the properties of materials. Additionally, when considering ceramics, factors such as the rate of temperature increase, peak temperature, soaking time at peak temperature, and cooling rate are all critical to the final characteristics of the ceramic product.
For metals, firing conditions in heat treatment processes can alter hardness, toughness, and ductility. Manufacturers and standards organizations, such as ASTM or ISO, provide detailed guidelines and specifications that are helpful for understanding the recommended firing conditions for different materials and applications.