Even as you are reading this blog, the structural, as well as electrical applications of advanced ceramics, are increasing exponentially all over the globe. Engineered ceramics is not only finding its place in the production lines of the consumer as well as microelectronics, it has been readily taken up by space exploration, aviation and the defence sector as well.
The reasons are simple but crucial. Both the aviation and space exploration sectors have been looking for materials that would be lighter but stronger. When compared to metal, engineered ceramics have a low mass which makes it the perfect candidate for use as heat shields in space shuttles and re-entry vehicles.
Widespread applications of advanced ceramics:
When one takes a closer look at the mechanical as well as chemical properties of advanced ceramics, it will be clear to them why the material is so popular these days. Engineered ceramics can be altered as you please depending on the application area and the operational conditions. That being said, let’s take a look at the following sections. It is a glossary of areas where advanced ceramics is gaining a lot of popularity:
Used in the production of body armour
Engineered ceramics is known in all sectors of the scientific community for its otherworldly strength. This is one reason that is enough to push it at the forefront. It is the go-to material for the production of body armour used by law enforcers and soldiers.
The ceramic that is used in the production of body armour is called boron carbide. The ceramic layer is carefully bonded with another layer of fibreglass. When a bullet hits the body armour, it shatters into little pieces leaving the person alive and well.
It finds extensive applications in the microelectronics industry
The largest market for engineered ceramics, after the medical sector, is in the microelectronics industry. Engineered ceramics have a plethora of electrical properties that make it the perfect candidate for manufacturing efficient conductors and insulators. It is also used as semiconductors and resistors especially when it is the question of transferring high voltage electricity through wires over long distances.
Real life example of engineered ceramics being used in electrical transmission is the large, shiny, ceramic insulators in electrical transmission lines. These are made using Alumina (AL2O3) – a type of engineered ceramics.
The best material for heat shielding space shuttles and related equipment
A space exploration vehicle, whether manned or unmanned, needs to withstand enormous amounts of friction while leaving the Earth. The same situation takes place when the vehicle is re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere. The particles of the atmosphere act as an invisible wall for the space exploration vehicle resulting in high temperatures. If the vehicle is not shielded from this enormous amount of temperature, it can cause not only malfunctioning in the electronics but can also result in melting of the vehicle.
Scientists and researchers working with the space exploration sector have been using engineered ceramics as a protective thermal barrier for their unmanned and manned space vehicles for many years. It is one of the many reasons why it is also becoming a hit in the aviation industry as well.
It is evident from the information provided in the sections above that advanced ceramics has been instrumental in the advancement of modern technology in recent years. On top of that, time and again it has proven its merit as a versatile material that can be used in a plethora of settings and applications. It is only a matter of time when engineered ceramics will completely replace metal. No matter what, the future looks promising for this material.
