The Magic of Ceramics

There′s so much you probably don′t know about ceramics. ..

Ceramics are amazing materials! Without ceramics, we wouldn′thave television, laptop computers, wireless communications, theInternet, computer–generated movie scenes, the Space Shuttle, oreven cars. Reading this book, you′ll discover not only some of themagic that ceramics can do, you′ll also come to understand thefascinating science that makes that magic happen.

You′ll learn how ceramics interact with light to make laserspossible; how ceramics that are stronger than steel can be used forbulletproof armor; how magnetic ceramics played a key role inbuilding the first computers; and how a new field of bioceramicshas recently emerged, promising new medical breakthroughs.

This Second Edition of The Magic of Ceramicsbrings the book fully up to date with new developments in thefield, such as major advances in pollution control, energyharvesting and conversion, digital electronics, medicine, andnanotechnology. Be sure to read the final chapter, which not onlydiscusses the most recent breakthroughs in ceramics, but alsoprovides a glimpse into its future.

Did you know?

Ceramics can be so strong that a one–inch diameter ceramiccable can lift fifty cars Some ceramics conduct electricity better than metals Ceramic automotive emission control systems have reducedpollution by billions of tons The key to treating liver cancer may be ceramics Ceramic fiberglass house insulation has saved more than 30quadrillion BTUs of heat

Look inside the book and discover even more incredible thingsyou probably never realized that ceramics could do.

Preface & Acknowledgments for the First Edition vii

Preface & Acknowledgments for the Second Edition ix

Foreword to the First Edition, by Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ph.D. xi

Introduction xiii

1 Our Constant Companions 2

2 From Pottery to the Space Shuttle 14

3 The Beauty of Ceramics 34

4 Ceramics and Light 56

5 Amazing Strength 80

6 Ceramics and the Electronics Age 108

7 Piezo Power 132

8 Medical Miracles 148

9 Ceramics and the Modern Automobile 170

10 Heat Beaters 186

11 The Hardest Materials in the Universe 208

12 Energy Conservation and Conversion Efficiency 228

13 From Pollution Control to Zero Pollution 252

14 What s New and What s Coming 270

Conclusion 291

About the Author 293

Index 295

DAVID W. RICHERSON, MS, is a leading expert in the fieldof ceramics. He was an early pioneer in the development ofhigh–strength silicon nitride, introducing grain boundaryengineering and the use of fracture surface analysis to improvematerials. His experience spans academia and private industry aswell as his own consulting firm. Mr. Richerson currently teaches atthe University of Utah and is the Manager of Minerals for theNatural History Museum of Utah. He continues an active schedule ofoutreach, bringing science and technology to elementary and highschool students.

It would be of interest to someone who wants to learnabout the history of ceramics, and get a basic understanding of theunique properties that ceramics possess, in an easy and funway.   (IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, 1September 2013