Role of inorganic and theoretical chemistry in ceramics: past, present, and future

Theoretical inorganic chemistry has evolved since Professor Mellor's time t o include a new generation of quantum mechanics based calculational methods to understand and predict chemical reaction pathways. Semi-empirical molec ular orbital (MO) calculations have been used in the fields of glass and si lica structure analysis, fracture mechanics, set-gel processing of net shap e optics, porous matrixes for hybrid optics. sensors, and tissue engineerin g scaffolds. Applications of MO calculations in biomaterials interface reac tions, biomimetics, and biomineralisation have also been made. Future direc tions for use of theoretical inorganic chemistry in the ceramic industry ar e forecast.