Research in Fine Ceramics

Abstract

In the modern world, it is difficult to imagine how we could live comfortably without man-made products or equipment fabricated from advanced materials. In every day life, we use mobile phones, computers, etc. Even in our bodies we have false teeth, artificial lenses (in our eyes) artificial hip joints, synthetic heart valves, etc. In outer space, we have man-made satellites orbiting the earth and spacecrafts traveling into the universe.Today, four types of materials are playing an important role in materials processing, those being metal, ceramics and polymers where a combination of at least 2 of these types forms what are called composites. Each type has its own prominent properties which are appropriate to its range of applications. Today???s ceramics are fine ceramics. In short, they are ???solid inorganic nonmetal materials made by firing??. We can produce them by putting the atomic compositions of various elements together through scientific formulation and the sintering process. One may ask ???what is the difference between classical ceramics? (bricks, porcelain and pottery) and fine ceramics??. There is a vast difference. The secret of fine ceramics is that their properties lie in their unique microstructure. They have fine tiny grains packed together, with each piece fitting in unison with another. Their grains and grain boundaries are all scientifically controlled. Each microstructure type generates specific physical reactions with electricity, magnetism or environmental changes. Classical ceramics on the other hand, are more porous and irregular.