Introduction

The international advanced ceramics industry is concerned with basic research and ceramic fabrication as well as manufacture of powders and fibres while the success of research can be measured by its application to large-scale economic production of ceramics which function in particular working environments. Advanced ceramic materials are defined in this introductory chapter and their variety and uses are explained. The ceramics industry is large and an indication of its volume production and monetary value is also given here. Finally, the recent discovery of high-temperature oxide superconductors has had a tremendous impact on worldwide ceramic activities and a section is included on the properties and potential applications of these advanced ceramic materials.

From traditional to advanced ceramics

Ceramics are the group of non-metallic inorganic solids and their use by man dates from the time of ancient civilisations. In fact, the word ceramic is of Greek origin and its translation (keramos) means potter's earth. Traditional ceramics are those derived from naturally occurring raw materials and include clay-based products such as tableware and sanitaryware as well as structural claywares like bricks and pipes. Also in this category are cements, glasses and refractories. Examples of the latter are chrome–magnesite refractories used in the steel-making industry and derived from magnesite (MgCO3) and chrome ore. Advanced ceramics are developed from chemical synthetic routes or from naturally occurring materials that have been highly refined. A variety of names has been used to describe ceramic systems.