Bulk Polycrystalline Ceramic Nanocomposites for Structural Applications: Present Issues and Perspectives

Abstract

This article brings to light some of the unresolved issues associated with bulk structural polycrystalline ceramic nanocomposites (both nano-particulate and nano-fibre reinforced), that even to-date suppress extensive commercial applications and realization of the full potency of the nano-reinforcements. Such issues are primarily related to the presently used processing routes, which in turn influence the microstructure development; and concomitantly the mechanical and tribological properties. The first section  introduces this materials class, along with brief mention about some of these drawbacks. Subsequently, the next two sections discuss these issues in more details in relation to the more relevant classes of the ceramic nanocomposite family. Some of the possible avenues to address such drawbacks, which are presently being explored in our research group, have also been briefly mentioned towards the end of the sections. 

Keywords: Polycrystalline aceramic nanocomposites, processing, microstructure, properties