The exceptional attributes of engineering ceramics, such as excellent material hardness, high temperature resilience, superior tensile properties and low toxicity, have made them a popular choice for industrial use. In this article, we will delve into the latest developments in the field of technical ceramics with a focus on the current global market and future prospects.
A brief overview of technical ceramics
Technical ceramics, often called advanced or engineering ceramics, consist of inorganic materials manufactured from synthetic raw materials using a precise manufacturing process to achieve homogeneity and improve their physicochemical attributes.
Advanced technical ceramics possess unique qualities that ensure exceptional performance, proving that they are economically viable substitutes for traditional materials such as glass, plastics, metals and others. The use of advanced ceramics aims to optimize efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs, precisely meeting the specific requirements of distinct applications.
Applications of technical ceramics
Engineered ceramics are used in various industries including aerospace, biomedical, manufacturing, energy storage, and more.
An article published in the Journal of Advanced Ceramics refers to various industrial applications of ceramics derived from silicon-based polymers, particularly in the field of energy conversion.
The article focuses on the applications of advanced polymer-derived engineering ceramics (PDCs). These advanced ceramics are used in the manufacture of thermal barrier coatings (TBC). Compared to traditional methods such as the thermal spray method, using the PDC route results in distinct advantages such as lower processing temperatures, reduced costs and higher efficiencies.
A dense PDC-based SiNO-based environmental barrier coating system has recently been developed. Even after being subjected to cyclic oxidation tests at a high temperature of 700℃, the PDC coating was free of cracks.
Piezoresistivity, which is the change in electrical resistivity under stress, presents a fascinating functional application of advanced ceramics. Recent research has revealed that amorphous monolithic structures made from engineered ceramics exhibit remarkably high piezoresistive coefficients, ranging from 1,000 to 4,000, in both longitudinal and transverse directions. These values significantly exceed the piezoresistive properties observed in all existing ceramic materials currently available. This makes it an ideal choice for pressure sensors for use in aerospace, automotive and chemical industrial plants.
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In addition to functioning as pressure sensors using piezoresistiveness, PDCs can serve as heat flow sensors, temperature sensors, and hot wire anemometers.
Engineered ceramics are also used in cutting blades and sharpeners because they offer many crucial benefits. These include an extended lifespan, potentially up to 100 times that of their traditional steel counterparts. The field of technical ceramic engineering and production tools offers unmatched durability and precision for a wide range of cutting and sharpening applications. These applications include blades for the healthcare industry, pharmaceutical capsule cutting tools and large ceramic cutting blades.
Latest trends and hot topics
Advanced thermal ceramics are the subject of extensive research around the world. A hot research topic is understanding the ins and outs of thermal barrier coating degradation. The last article published in Archives of computer methods in engineering discussed this issue in depth.
Research studies have been dedicated to exploring the resilience of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), which are prone to oxidation, corrosion and deterioration caused by sulfates and foreign object damage . The formidable challenge of combating hot rust degradation is particularly relevant when dealing with advanced ceramic materials exposed to high temperatures. Researchers carry out experimental studies to understand the mechanisms of the causes and progression of damage and find optimal solutions.
The implementation of finite element methods in conjunction with a machine learning-based approach to study the effects of high-velocity impact is another hot topic in the field of modern technical ceramics. This topic was discussed in detail in the last issue of International Ceramics. This confirms that like all other industries, the modern ceramic industry has also resorted to the implementation of artificial intelligence to improve itself.
The development of efficient next-generation ceramic 3D printers is another interesting sub-area of the field. On-demand ceramic extrusion (CODE) is a sludge-based 3D printing method studied for the manufacture of technical ceramics. According to a recent article in Future publication, the procedure involves forming a green body by layer-by-layer printing. After each layer is finished printing, a heat lamp is used to partially and evenly dry the printed layer. Then, the layers below the top layer are immersed in an oil bath to prevent moisture evaporation from the sides of the component, effectively preserving its moisture content.
Market analysis
Following the research findings, the high-growth ceramics market is expected to reach a size of approximately $169.3 billion by 2030. This was published by Mmarkets and markets. Increasing demand in the construction, healthcare and transportation sectors is driving this growth. It is worth noting that regional markets including Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe are expected to witness significant expansion in this regard.
Morgan Advanced Materials, a Germany-based company named Ceram Tec-Etec GmbH, Coorstek, Inc. and KYOCERA Company are some of the top revenue generators. Coorstek, Inc.
The Company offers a range of products, including transparent ceramics, technical ceramics, electronic ceramics, electrical ceramics, ceramic matrix composites, ceramic textiles, bioceramics and piezo ceramics. Additionally, the company has expanded its geographic footprint and market presence by acquiring various companies including Covalent Materials Corporation and ANCeram GmbH, thereby enabling it to diversify into different markets.
Future prospects
To make progress in the field of advanced technical ceramics, future research studies should place a strong emphasis on two key areas. First, there is a need to manufacture innovative materials with increased corrosion resistance at high temperatures.
At the same time, efforts should be devoted to perfecting the processes involved in the manufacturing of thermal coatings. Additionally, there is a critical need for innovation in the techniques used to accurately and efficiently assess the durability and performance of advanced ceramics.
Finally, research initiatives should be directed towards the design and production of high-performance ceramic components, essential for various system applications, thus ensuring both reliability and efficiency.
The current state of the global semiconductor market
References and further reading
Awadaate, P., 2023. 10 High Growth Opportunities on Global Technical Ceramics Market Trends and Forecast. (Online)
Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-high-growth-opportunities-global-ceramics-market-trends-awadaate/
Ross, L.K., 2023. Advanced ceramics: context, types and applications. (Online)
Available at: https://www.preciseceramic.com/blog/advanced-ceramics-background-types-and-applications.html
Iqbal, A. and Moskal, G. (2023). Recent development of advanced ceramic materials and understanding of degradation mechanisms of thermal barrier coatings. Archives of computer methods in engineering, 1-42. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-023-09960-7
Choppala, S. et. (2023). New generation of advanced ceramic 3D printers. Future technology, 2(2), 36-42. Available at: https://doi.org/10.55670/fpll.futech.2.2.5
Wen, Q. et. (2022). Ceramics derived from silicon-based polymers for energy conversion and storage. Journal of Advanced Ceramics. 11. 197-246. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40145-021-0562-
