Interfaces in Structural Ceramics

Abstract

Structural ceramics are necessarily polycrystalline and their usefulness is largely determined by the interfaces between the grains. The relationship between the structure and chemistry of different interfaces and the micro-structure can be illustrated by reviewing studies of interfaces in a wide range of materials including such classical ceramics as Al2O3, the current “hightech” polyphase ceramics exemplified by ZrO2-toughened Al2O3, and the composite materials of the future. Using transmission electron microscopy is essential for a complete understanding, but limitations to its use must be recognized. Only by understanding the factors that control the behavior of these interfaces will it become possible to further extend the application of interface engineering.Structural ceramics are a group of materials that can be used for applications requiring their strength to persist at high temperatures or in conditions that would be particularly corrosive to alternative materials, which are usually metallic. Strength and strength-related properties such as toughness depend largely on the microstructural features of the processed material.The microstructure is defined by the morphology and size of the grains and the interfaces between these grains. If the grains are in intimate contact, then the interface is a grain boundary of the type familiar from studies of metals.