Mechanical properties of dry-pressed powder compacts: Case study on alumina nanoparticles

Youngs modulus and fracture toughness of dry-pressed powder compacts of nanocrystalline alumina powders have been determined for different relative densities and average grain size. The powder with a grain size of 40 nm yielded a maximum Youngs modulus of 15 GPa and a peak fracture toughness of 0.12 MPa .m1/2. These high values are rationalized using a model based on contact flattening between particle spheres, which allows a discussion of the influence of grain size and particle packing on the mechanical properties of green bodies

Development of a roadmap for advanced ceramics: 2010-2025

A roadmap for advanced ceramics for the period from 2010 to 2025 has been developed to provide guidelines for future investments for policy makers, scientists and industry alike. Based on questionnaires, interviews and a final workshop with well-balanced participation of members from industry and academia three roadmaps on application fields and two roadmaps on scientific areas have been developed and contrasted. The three application fields selected are: (i) electronics, information and communication; (ii) energy and environment; (iii) mechanical engineering and the two scientific fields are: (a) structural and functional properties; (b) process technology. Within these fields the tremendous growth opportunities for ceramics as an enabling technology are highlighted and manifold suggestions for future development are provided