Review of mechanical characterization methods for ceramics used in energy technologies

The reliability and robustness of advanced electrochemical devices depends critically on the thermo-mechanical properties of the ceramic components. In addition to their elastic behavior, fracture characteristics are important due to the inherent brittleness. Furthermore, the elevated temperature operation raises questions with respect to viscous and creep deformation as well as the potential failure due to creep rupture. It is outlined how considered aspects can be assessed for sealant and ceramic cell materials that are typically used for solid oxide fuel/electrolysis cells and oxygen transport membrane materials. Particular emphasis is directed towards a discussion of strengths and weaknesses of available methods. Considered are micro-mechanical methods that yield information on the local properties and macro-mechanical methods being representative for the global behavior of the materials. An outlook on the choice of mechanical analysis methods is given. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.