Modern engineering ceramics

6.1. Introduction

The basic definitions of ceramics are introduced first. Then a short historical overview on ceramic industry is provided. The properties and the most important application field of conventional and engineering ceramics is demonstrated also.

6.2. Types of engineering ceramics

The major groups of ceramic materials based on their chemical composition: oxide-, nitride-, carbide- and ceramics based on other elements. Functional and structural ceramics Monolithic ceramics and ceramic layers. Ceramic composites. Comparison of ceramics with other structural materials like metals an polymers.

6.3. Basics of material science

The basic definitions of material science are discussed in this part as well as the basics of crystallography. The connection between the chemical structure and atomic bonds is shown and its influence on macroscopic properties is discussed also. The most important unique properties are introduced based on examples of structure-property correlations.

6.4. Raw materials and synthesis

The raw materials of engineering ceramics are shown and the most important synthesis routes are discussed in details. The most important properties of ceramic powders are introduced as well as the crucial requirements of ceramic powders for industrial applications.

6.5. Processing and shaping of ceramic powders

The processing technologies of formation of engineering ceramics is discussed in details. This area includes the pre-treatment of ceramic powders before shaping, like milling and sizing. The cyclic and continuous shaping techniques are introduced and their effect on the properties is shown too.

6.6. Final sintering of engineering ceramics.

The final processing step of engineering ceramics is sintering. The types, mechanisms of this process are demonstrated. The sintering process is introduced through industrial examples.

6.7. Formation of surface layer

The major goal of layer deposition is discussed. The formation of surface layers is demonstrated thoroughly. Chemical and physical techniques for layer deposition are shown and the layers are compared to each other.

6.8. Failure

The failure mechanisms are presented with special focus on the structural effect. Fractoscopy as the tool of failure analysis is also presented. Revealing of material or design failure is show.  

6.9. Functional ceramics

The special properties of functional ceramics are discussed. The application fields and well as the types of this ceramic class is demonstrated in details.

6.10. Structural ceramics

The special properties of structural ceramics are discussed. The application fields and well as the types of this ceramic class is demonstrated in details.

6.12. Ceramic composites

The goals of preparation of composite materials based on ceramic matrix are introduced. Preparation of ceramic matrix composited is discussed and the unique properties of these materials are shown. Overloading effect is demonstrated.

6.12. Application of ceramics

In this last section several interesting application fields are demonstrated with special attention to the structure-property correlations. How could ceramics fulfill special needs? The students could present also small individual topics, from their field of interest.