Handbook of Ceramic Materials

A ceramic is an inorganic non-metallic compound which exists in solid state. It could be made up of metal, metalloid or non-metal atoms which are bonded through ionic and covalent bonds. Ceramic materials are usually hard and brittle. They are not easily corroded by acidic or caustic environments and can generally withstand large amounts of heat. Ceramics are classified into two types on the basis of materials- crystalline ceramics and non-crystalline ceramics. Crystalline ceramics are difficult to process. Non-crystalline ceramics are easier to process since they are formed from melts. Thus, they can be melted and then cast into desired shapes. A few applications of ceramics are carbon-ceramic brake disks for vehicles, ceramic ball bearings and bio-ceramics. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different areas of ceramics. Some of the diverse topics covered in it address the varied branches that fall under this category. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.