Future Prospective in the Field

In conclusion, with this technique, it is possible to obtain a defined functional gradient material (FGM). 

Ceramic superplastidty must still be regarded as a challenging issue from both scientific and technical points of view, and much endeavor remains to be undertaken in order to achieve a satisfactory understanding of the phenomenon. Indeed, this represents a necessary landmark to optimize the conditions for superplastic response according to industrial requirements. 

A second major problem involves the consequences of the multiscale nature of superplastidty, notably the correlation between the individual behavior of one grain under shear and normal stresses, and the average collective behavior of these grains. This is a very difficult task, as plastidty is a nonequilibrium phenomenon, and grain motion cannot be completely treated as being thermal in nature. Rather, it implies that the usual methods of thermodynamics and statistical physics cannot be applied -or perhaps they can, but under certain restrictions. 

Clearly, the extensive use of ceramics will lead to the development of increasingly sophisticated structures, including extensively nanostructured materials. Moreover, the benefits of ceramic design will lead to new scientific challenges, creating new structural and functional applications. Despite the world of ceramics superplastidty being born over twenty years ago, its transition from childhood to maturity remains an ongoing process. 

The authors acknowledge financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Education y Cienda, via research project MAT2009-14351-C02-01 and the regional government Junta de Andaluda through the project of excellence FQM-337. 

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