SURFACE ENGINEERING OF STRUCTURAL CERAMICS

The role of surface engineering for controlling structural ceramic pro perties is reviewed. initially, a perspective of the effects of an unm odified surface state on fracture, adhesion, tribological properties, and degradation is given. Ceramic surface modification techniques incl uding laser, ion, ion-beam-assisted deposition, and plasma-assisted de position are then discussed with regard to how each non-equilibrium te chnique affects bulk and surface properties. The importance of experim ents, process and materials characterization, and modeling for underst anding changes in localized bonding, chemistry, and structure is empha sized. Although not exhaustive, a broad guide to important literature is given.