Over the last decade, significant advances have been made in metal matrix composites (MMCs) and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). The success of these materials is typically the result of a lengthy development cycle, which includes component design and modeling; matrix selection; reinforcement selection, including placement in the matrix; and method of composite fabrication.

To ensure development of a homogeneous, defect-free coating, a paint evaluation procedure (binder volume dilution procedure) that determines the critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC) can be applied to the ceramic slurry.

The manufacture of ceramics for the semiconductor industry is typical of standard structural ceramics manufacturing, using traditional forming and densification methods. The biggest difference is the high purity requirement of the ceramic, and occasionally the very tight control over electrical properties.

More than 120 researchers from around the world attended the 10th international JFCC workshop held in mid-March of this year. Sponsored by the Japan Fine Ceramics Center located in Nagoya, Japan, the workshop focused on grain boundary engineering of ceramics.

Further development of the isostatic pressing process, along with advances in granulate technology, are making it possible to achieve increased product quality and economic efficiency in tableware production.

There is a growing demand for abrasion resistant polymer systems for coating applications in sensors, optics, textiles and numerous consumer goods, but conventional epoxy materials generally don’t provide enough wear resistance. To solve these problems, a polymer dispersion incorporating nanocrystalline alumina was developed.

A record crowd of more than 700 brick plant managers and personnel gathered in Clemson, S.C., October 11-13, 1999, for the 45th International Brick Plant Operator’s Forum. Over 70 speakers presented information on this year’s theme, “Energy and Efficiency in Raw Material Preparation,” and on other topics pertaining to the brick industry.

The U.K. housing market is now recovering, but it is difficult to raise brick prices even to past levels. This, combined with the prospect of increased demand for bricks, has led producers to consider radical alternatives to their conventional brick production methods.

Over the past decade, brick manufacturers and others in the ceramic industry have struggled to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. Occasionally, however, the industry becomes part of the solution to an environmental problem.

Such was the case in Montgomery, Ala., where the city was faced with compliance to the New Source Performance Standards of the Clean Air Act, as related to landfill gas emissions.

Despite the overall growth in ceramics, several factors hinder their widespread adoption into more applications. One of the largest barriers is the high cost of grinding, which can easily exceed 50% of the finished part value.