SURFACE ENGINEERING OF STRUCTURAL CERAMICS

The role of surface engineering for controlling structural ceramic properties is reviewed. initially, a perspective of the effects of an unmodified surface state on fracture, adhesion, tribological properties, and degradation is given. Ceramic surface modification techniques including laser, ion, ion-beam-assisted deposition, and plasma-assisted deposition are then discussed with regard to how each non-equilibrium technique affects bulk and surface properties. The importance of experiments, process and materials characterization, and modeling for understanding changes in localized bonding, chemistry, and structure is emphasized. Although not exhaustive, a broad guide to important literature is given.