Abstract

Ceramics are a class of inorganic, nonmetallic solids that are subjected to high temperature in manufacture or in use. The classification of ceramic, typically a polycrystalline material, extends to glasses, which are noncrystalline, and to such single-crystal materials as a ruby laser. There are the low value-added bulk or commodity materials such as pottery and abrasive grain, and the engineering or fine ceramics which are low volume, high value-added, highly processed materials having carefully controlled properties. The most common ceramics are oxides, carbides, and nitrides, but silicides, borides, phosphides, sulfides, tellurides, and selenides are also ceramics, as well as elemental materials such as carbon and silicon.

Processing techniques play an important role in determining the properties of a ceramic. These techniques, the resultant structures, and the relationship to mechanical and electrical properties of engineered ceramics are discussed as are fracture and wear-resistant materials, inorganic glasses, and optoelectronic and electronic ceramics.