The importance of understanding and controlling the effects of microstructure on the properties of ceramics for space and nuclear applications has become well established in recent years, and several introductory reviews are available. It is now appropriate to focus attention on defining pacing problems and the most fertile areas for future effort. This is attempted for the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties underlying the structural use of ceramics. A dimensional range from subgrain features of polycrystalline bodies to the micromechanics of composites is considered. The status of experimental methods for characterizing microstructure is discussed, as is the importance of improved experimental substances. One pacing factor is the ability to synthesize or prepare desired microstructures with controlled variations, in order to further research into microstructural effects as well as to provide a basis for subsequent technology. (Author).

This text deals with the effect of processing on the microstructure and properties of advanced structural and electroceramic materials. It fulfils the need for a well illustrated book explaining the relation between microstructure and properties in structural ceramics, featuring high quality micrographs and characterization techniques.

Reviews production methods, microstructures, and properties of structural ceramics with important applications, including high voltage insulators, hot gas filters, machining tools, and hip joint replacements.

This volume, titled Proceedings of the International Materials Symposium on Ce ramic Microstructures: Control at the Atomic Level summarizes the progress that has been achieved during the past decade in understanding and controlling microstructures in ceram ics. A particular emphasis of the symposium, and therefore of this volume, is advances in the characterization, understanding, and control of micro structures at the atomic or near-atomic level. This symposium is the fourth in a series of meetings, held every ten years, devoted to ceramic microstructures. The inaugural meeting took place in 1966, and focussed on the analysis, significance, and production of microstructure; the symposium emphasized the need for, and importance of characterization in achieving a more complete understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of ceramics. A consensus emerged at that meeting on the critical importance of characterization in achieving a more complete understanding of ceramic properties. That point of view became widely accepted in the ensuing decade. The second meeting took place in 1976 at a time of world-wide energy shortages and thus emphasized energy-related applications of ceramics, and more specifically, microstructure-property relationships of those materials. The third meeting, held in 1986, was devoted to the role that interfaces played both during processing, and in influencing the ultimate properties of single and polyphase ceramics, and ceramic-metal systems.

Microstructure characterization of advanced ceramics involves qualitative and quantitative analysis of surface topography, porosity, crystal defects, and interfaces. The structure of the surface controls interaction of ceramics with its surroundings, such as adhesion, gas adsorption, and electron exchange, which play an important role in determining overall properties of a material. Pores in ceramic materials originate from incomplete densification during the sintering process. Their presence interferes with functional properties such as mechanical strength, optical transparency, electrical conductivity, and dielectric response. Crystal defects mostly form either as a result of imperfections during the crystal growth process or as a consequence of structural phase transitions. They generally affect most functional properties of materials. So-called extended defects are interfaces that are boundaries between two solids. The most widespread tools for characterization of ceramic microstructures are microscopic techniques involving optical microscopy, different types of electron microscopy, and various scanning-probe methods. This chapter gives a brief introduction of the features of ceramic microstructure and the corresponding techniques for characterizing them.

Overview of diffraction methods applied to the analysis of the microstructure of materials. Since crystallite size and the presence of lattice defects have a decisive influence on the properties of many engineering materials, information about this microstructure is of vital importance in developing and assessing materials for practical applications. The most powerful and usually non-destructive evaluation techniques available are X-ray and neutron diffraction. The book details, among other things, diffraction-line broadening methods for determining crystallite size and atomic-scale strain due, e.g. to dislocations, and methods for the analysis of residual (macroscale) stress. The book assumes only a basic knowledge of solid-state physics and supplies readers sufficient information to apply the methods themselves.

High-temperature ceramic fibers are the key components of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Ceramic fiber properties (strength, temperature and creep resistance, for example)-along with the debonding characteristics of their coatings-determine the properties of CMCs. This report outlines the state of the art in high-temperature ceramic fibers and coatings, assesses fibers and coatings in terms of future needs, and recommends promising avenues of research. CMCs are also discussed in this report to provide a context for discussing high-temperature ceramic fibers and coatings.

"Ceramography" provides detailed instructions on how to saw, mount, grind, polish, etch, examine, interpret and measure ceramic microstructures. This new book includes an atlas of ceramic microstructures, quantitative microstructural example problems with solutions, properties and data tables specific to ceramic microstructures, more than 100 original photographs and illustrations, and numerous practical tips and tricks of the trade. An excellent reference guide for technicians in quality control and R&D, process engineers in ceramic manufacturing, and their counterparts in engineering firms, national laboratories, research institutes, and universities.