ION-TRANSPORT IN CERAMICS

Ionic and atomic transport processes in high-temperature ceramics (oxides, carbides and nitrides) are reviewed. Many of these materials do not have ionic bonding, but rather covalent or even metallic bonds. Nevertheless, interesting relations exist with ion transport in isostructural fully ionic crystals. Emphasis is placed on bulk diffusion. However, diffusion-related processes of technological interest, ion transport on ceramic surfaces and new insights on point-defect behaviour in ceramics obtained from radiation damage work using the channelling-Rutherford back-scattering technique are also treated. Many of the examples given are connected with ion transport in energy-related ceramics for use in fission energy production.