Ceramic-matrix Composites: Microstructure Property Relationship

The advent of engineering-designed polymer matrix composites in the late 1940s has provided an impetus for the emergence of sophisticated ceramic matrix composites. The development of CMCs is a promising means of achieving lightweight, structural materials combining high temperature strength with improved fracture toughness, damage tolerance and thermal shock resistance. Considerable research effort is being expended in the optimisation of ceramic matrix composite systems, with particular emphasis being placed on the establishment of reliable and cost-effective fabrication procedures. Ceramic matrix composites consists of a collection of chapters reviewing and describing the latest advances, challenges and future trends in the microstructure and property relationship of five areas of CMCs. Part one focuses on fibre, whisker and particulate-reinforced ceramic matrix composites, part two explores graded and layered ceramics, while the five chapters in part three cover nanostructured CMCs in some detail. Refractory and speciality ceramic composites are looked at in part four, with chapters on magnesia-spinel composite refractory materials, thermal shock of CMCs and superplastic CMCs. Finally, part four is dedicated to non-oxide ceramic composites. Ceramic matrix composites is a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the interdependence of processing, microstructure, properties and performance of each of the five categories of CMC, with chapters from experienced and established researchers. It will be essential for researchers and engineers in the field of ceramics and more widely, in the field of inorganic materials. Looks at the latest advances, challenges and future trends Compiled by experienced and established researchers in the field Essential for researchers and engineers Ceramic matrix composites......Page 2 Ceramic matrix composites......Page 4 Contents......Page 6 Contributors contact details......Page 14 Introduction to thermoelectricity......Page 26 Whisker-reinforced silicon nitride ceramics......Page 52 Fibre-reinforced glass/glass-ceramic matrix composites......Page 77 Particulate composites......Page 118 Functionally-graded ceramic composites......Page 150 SiAlON based functionally graded materials......Page 173 Design of tough ceramic laminates by residual stresses control......Page 197 Hardness of multilayered ceramics......Page 235 Nanophase ceramic composites......Page 262 Nanostructured coatings on advanced carbon materials......Page 279 Processing and microstructural control of metal-reinforced ceramic matrix nanocomposites......Page 304 Carbon nanotubes-ceramic composites......Page 328 Machinable nanocomposite ceramics......Page 353 Magnesia–spinel (MgAl2O4) refractory ceramic composites......Page 378 Thermal shock of ceramic matrix composites......Page 419 Superplastic ceramic composites......Page 453 Interfaces in non-oxide ceramic composites......Page 480 Sialons......Page 510 Carbon-ceramic alloys......Page 533 Silicon nitride and silicon carbide-based ceramics......Page 555 Oxynitride glasses – glass ceramics composites......Page 579 Functionally graded ceramics......Page 594 Index......Page 616 Ten contributions from international researchers discuss recent developments in welding technology and describe various applications in mechanical and structural engineering. Some of the techniques covered include gas metal arc welding, tubular cored wire welding, and explosion welding. It is assumed that the reader is already familiar with the fundamentals of each process. The volume concludes with a review of environmental concerns and current occupational health and safety issues. Editor Ahmed is affiliated with CSIRO Manufacturing & Infrastructure Technology in Australia. Distributed in the U.S. by CRC Press. Annotation :2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)