It has been three decades since the last significant book was published on SiC ceramics (other than those books that specifically focus on SiC semiconductors). Thirty years has been a long time in the world of SiC ceramics. In the early 1990s, SiC was still a relatively obscure ceramic even within the materials community, prominent only as an industrial abrasive (carborundum), and a refractory (Chapter 7). This has all changed dramatically in the 21st century. For example, As a semiconductor, SiC greatly surpasses silicon in performance, especially in high-power systems. Its market penetration since its launch in 2001 has been exponential. Single-crystal SiC semiconductors are covered in Chapter 3 Millions of military and paramilitary personnel have globally been protected with lightweight SiC body armour, since the late 1990s. Body armour is covered in Chapters 4 and 5 SiC-SiC is a composite material close to commercialization that makes possible high-temperature load-bearing applications hitherto only able to be hypothesized: from ultra-high-temperature jet turbine blades to advanced nuclear fuel encapsulation, the possibilities are very promising. Aerospace applications are covered in Chapter 9 Other key areas that are addressed are blast-resistant SiC vehicle/vessel armour in Chapter 8 and wear-resistant SiC ceramics in Chapter 6 Silicon Carbide Ceramics will be an essential reference resource for academic and industrial researchers and materials scientists and engineers working in ceramic materials for the semiconductor, defence, aerospace, wear resistance and refractory fields

Metal-Reinforced Ceramics covers the principle of metal-fiber-reinforced ceramics, a well-known topic in the field of reinforced concrete. Much of the work that has been done has remained unpublished, hidden in industrial company archives due to the commercial sensitivity associated with the respective technologies that prevailed at the time, which no longer applies today. This book will discuss advanced technologies that have largely been undocumented before in a broad range of industrial application areas, with updates on alumina, silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, fused silica, and carbon-based ceramics which are hard, heat resistant, wear resistant, and chemically durable.

Alumina Ceramics: Biomedical and Clinical Applications examines the extraordinary material, Alumina, and its use in biomedicine and industry. Sections discuss the fundamentals of Alumina Ceramics, look at the various industrial applications, and examine a variety of medical applications. Readers will find this to be an invaluable and unique resource for researchers, clinical professionals, engineers, and advanced level students. Alumina ceramics are a leading biomaterial used for specialist medical applications, such as bionic implants and tissue engineering, and the only biomaterial commercially viable for use as bearings for orthopedic hip replacements. As such, this book is a timely resource on the topics discussed.