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.

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.

This book covers the area of advanced ceramic composites broadly, providing important introductory chapters to fundamentals, processing, and applications of advanced ceramic composites. Within each section, specific topics covered highlight the state of the art research within one of the above sections. The organization of the book is designed to provide easy understanding by students as well as professionals interested in advanced ceramic composites. The various sections discuss fundamentals of nature and characteristics of ceramics, processing of ceramics, processing and properties of toughened ceramics, high temperature ceramics, nanoceramics and nanoceramic composites, and bioceramics and biocomposites.

The advent of engineering-designed polymer matrix composites in the late 1940s has provided an impetus for the emergence of sophisticated ceramic matrix composites. The development of CMCs is a promising means of achieving lightweight, structural materials combining high temperature strength with improved fracture toughness, damage tolerance and thermal shock resistance. Considerable research effort is being expended in the optimisation of ceramic matrix composite systems, with particular emphasis being placed on the establishment of reliable and cost-effective fabrication procedures.Ceramic matrix composites consists of a collection of chapters reviewing and describing the latest advances, challenges and future trends in the microstructure and property relationship of five areas of CMCs. Part one focuses on fibre, whisker and particulate-reinforced ceramic matrix composites, part two explores graded and layered ceramics, while the five chapters in part three cover nanostructured CMCs in some detail. Refractory and speciality ceramic composites are looked at in part four, with chapters on magnesia-spinel composite refractory materials, thermal shock of CMCs and superplastic CMCs. Finally, part four is dedicated to non-oxide ceramic composites.Ceramic matrix composites is a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the interdependence of processing, microstructure, properties and performance of each of the five categories of CMC, with chapters from experienced and established researchers. It will be essential for researchers and engineers in the field of ceramics and more widely, in the field of inorganic materials. - Looks at the latest advances, challenges and future trends - Compiled by experienced and established researchers in the field - Essential for researchers and engineers