Superplastic ceramics

The ability of some fine grained crystalline metals to exhibit very large e longations to failure, termed superplasticity, is being utilized to form co mplex-shaped components for aerospace and other applications. Recently, the re has been considerable research activity into extending the concept of su perplasticity to ceramics, and large strains to failure have been demonstra ted in several fine grained ceramic systems. This paper reviews the mechani cal properties of superplastic metals, and examines conditions favorable fo r observing superplasticity in ceramics.