New Developments in the Ceramic Field

New or advanced ceramics, when used as engineering materials, possess several properties that can be viewed as superior to metal-based systems. These properties place this new group of ceramics in a most attractive position, not only in the area of performance but also in cost effectiveness. These properties include high resistance to abrasion, excellent hot strength, chemical inertness, high machining speeds (as tools), and dimensional stability. 

Engineering ceramics can be classified into three—oxides, nonoxides, and composites. Examples for oxides are alumina and zirconia. Carbides, borides, nitrides, and silicides come under nonoxides. Particulate-reinforced oxides and nonoxides are examples for composites. Oxide ceramics are characterized by oxidation resistance, chemical inertness, electrical insulation. 

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