Publisher's Synopsis
'Ceramics' describes an engineering activity embracing the design and fabrication of ceramic components. Because the optimum physical and chemical properties of a ceramic are defined by the specific requirements of the end use, the pursuit is, of necessity, interdisciplinary. For example, the design and manufacture of refractories is a challenging technology, spanning physical chemistry and metallurgical and chemical engineering. Even greater challenges confront the electro ceramist involved in, for example, the development of the ceramic battery or fuel cell. Here a combination of a good understanding of solid state chemical physics with expert knowledge and experience of advanced ceramics fabrication technologies is essential. In addition, there should be a sound appreciation of the many considerations, usually complex, concerned with 'end use'. The same is true of the very diverse range of types of electro ceramic component discussed in the text. Advanced Ceramics: Applications, Processing and Properties describes the state-of-the-art of some aspects in this large field in engineering materials. By invitation of the publisher, several authors from ten countries, most of them do not know each other, have collected a bunch of chapters which cover a wide area of engineering science. The first three chapters describe the fundamental aspects of functional ceramics for thermoelectric, semiconductor and fuel cell applications. The processing of nano-ceramics and their characterization. A new hardness characterization method for thin films, and ceramic materials for dental applications. The re-use of ceramics for new structural applications. Your citation decides about the acceptance, distribution, and impact of this piece of knowledge. Please enjoy reading and may this book help promote the progress in ceramic development for better life on earth.