Fundamentals of Ceramics (EBT225/4): Reserves

Updated and improved, this revised edition of Michel Barsoum's classic text Fundamentals of Ceramics presents readers with an exceptionally clear and comprehensive introduction to ceramic science. Barsoum offers introductory coverage of ceramics, their structures, and properties, with a distinct emphasis on solid state physics and chemistry. Key equations are derived from first principles to ensure a thorough understanding of the concepts involved. The book divides naturally into two parts. Chapters 1 to 9 consider bonding in ceramics and their resultant physical structures, and the electrical, thermal, and other properties that are dependent on bonding type. The second part (Chapters 11 to 16) deals with those factors that are determined by microstructure, such as fracture and fatigue, and thermal, dielectric, magnetic, and optical properties. Linking the two sections is Chapter 10, which describes sintering, grain growth, and the development of microstructure. Fundamentals of Ceramics is ideally suited to senior undergraduate and graduate students of materials science and engineering and related subjects.

Ceramics are, In a general definition, materials that consist of man-made, inorganic, non-metallic solid material -- either existing in a crystalline state or non-crystalline state (i.e., glasses). Materials characterization techniques are used to ensure the structural and surface integrity of ceramics for their use in a wide variety of applications, from thermal resistance to advanced electronic and optical technologies like fiber optics to structural uses. This book presents those techniques along with views on future trends in ceramics processing and advanced characterization technologies particularly appropriate to ceramics materials. Readers will find more on: -- Ceramic Materials preparation routes, including powder preparation by solution techniques and gas-phase techniques -- Formation techniques for ceramic films and coatings, thick films and bulk ceramics -- A review of ceramic microstructure, reactions, phase behavior, mechanical properties and electronic and magnetic ceramics.

This text treats the important properties of the three primary types of materials--metals, ceramics, and polymers--as well as composites, and the relationships that exist between the structural elements of these materials and their properties. Emphasis is placed on mechanical behavior and failure including, techniques that are employed to improve the mechanical and failure characteristics in terms of alteration of structural elements. Furthermore, individual chapters discuss each of corrosion, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties. New and cutting-edge materials are also discussed. Even if an instructor does not have a strong materials background (i.e., is from mechanical, civil, chemical, or electrical engineering, or chemistry departments), he or she can easily teach from this text. The material is not at a level beyond which the students can comprehend--an instructor would not have to supplement in order to bring the students up to the level of the text. Also, the author has attempted to write in a concise, clear, and organized manner, using terminology that is familiar to the students. Extensive student and instructor resource supplements are also provided.

Based on the author's lectures to graduate students of geosciences, physics, chemistry and materials science, this didactic handbook covers basic aspects of ceramics such as composition and structure as well as such advanced topics as achieving specific functionalities by choosing the right materials. The focus lies on the thermal transformation processes of natural raw materials to arrive at traditional structural ceramics and on the general physical principles of advanced functional ceramics. The book thus provides practice-oriented information to readers in research, development and engineering on how to understand, make and improve ceramics and derived products, while also serving as a rapid reference for the practitioner. The choice of topics and style of presentation make it equally useful for chemists, materials scientists, engineers and mineralogists.