Course Details

Subject {L-T-P / C} : CR4101 : Structural Ceramics { 3-0-0 / 3}

Subject Nature : Theory

Coordinator : Prof. Santanu Bhattacharyya

Syllabus

Module 1 Introduction and failure behaviour, Weibull modulus
Introduction and classification of Structural Ceramics. Overview of different application areas of ceramic materials. Failure of Ceramics statistical nature of strength distribution, introduction to Weibull statistical failure theory and Weibull Modulus, Strength and toughness –different methods, limitations, and effect of test protocol on strength and toughness. Sample size effect on strength distribution and reliability of strength value. 6 Contact Hours

Module 2 Thermal shock resistance of ceramics and oxide cutting tools
Thermal shock resistance- Different thermal shock resistance parameters. Failure due to thermal shock- crack propagation and crack initiation, thermo-elastic model and mechanical model theory. Ceramic cutting tools –oxide cutting tools, composite cutting tools, wear behaviour, textile thread guides 5 Contact Hours

Module 3 Specific single phase oxide ceramics
Sintered alumina ceramics- microstructural correlation of strength and toughness – thermal expansion anisotropy and micro-crack toughening application of alumina ceramics- armour material, optical and structural applications. Zirconia Ceramics Crystal structure and polymorphic modifications, Transformation Toughening effect in different zirconia based systems, R curve behaviour – ZTA, ATZ, ZDC- application in hot extrusion dies, ceramic knife. 8 Contact Hours

Module 4 Compounds of Oxides
Mullite- The controversial melting behavior- congruent and incongruent, phase Effects of dopants on mullite synthesis, importance of mullite as structural ceramics, sintering of mullite - issues
Mag-Al spinel- Phase diagram, alumina rich- magnesia rich, non conventional use of spinel, applications 6 Contact Hours

Module 5 Non-oxide ceramics
Classification of non-oxide ceramics, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, Sialon, Tungsten Carbide, Boron Carbide, Boron Nitride polytypism and common polytypes of Silicon carbide and silicon nitride, Fabrication of Silicon carbide and Silicon nitride ceramics – Reaction bonding, Hot pressing, sintering in the absence of a liquid phase. Additives and the role of additives in the sintering of silicon nitride and silicon carbide. 8 Contact Hours
Module 6 SiAlON and Non-oxide cutting tools
Crystal structure of SiAlON – difference with Si3N4, polmorphs, sintering, role of rare earth additives and properties. Ceramics as cutting tools- classification, materials for cutting tools, wear and performance of oxide and non –oxide cutting tools. 6 Contact Hours

Course Objectives

Course Outcomes

CO1: To be well versed about different structural ceramics and the properties required for application as strong, tough and wear resistant ceramics in different application areas. <br />CO2: To correlate processing- microstructure relationship for the different applications of different Structural ceramics. To be able to control the processing for different tailor made structural ceramics. <br />CO3: Able to design and fabricate different oxide based ceramics, transformation toughened ceramics for specific applications like cutting tools, toughened ceramics, transparent ceramics <br />CO4: Able to do post-failure analysis of components to ascertain the root cause of failure and to design processing and microstructural parameters for property upgradation and better reliability.

Essential Reading

Supplementary Reading