Author Description

The cutting edge of engineering ceramic research is evolving rapidly, leading into new fields far beyond the conventional image of ceramics. Careful tailoring of micro- and nano-structures, in particular, is yielding superior mechanical and chemical properties, such as high hardness, high strength, good heat/corrosion resistance and good tribological properties. This special collection comprises papers from researchers working in the fields of ceramics and composites and thus provides an opportunity for the cross-pollination of knowledge and experience in interdisciplinary fields of materials science and engineering. Intensive discussions were held on the topics of silicon carbide and composites, nitride ceramics, the mechanical properties of ceramics, the sintering of ceramics, ceramics coating and the processing of functional ceramics. This work constitutes an invaluable handbook guide to a rapidly evolving subject.