Metallization of ceramics is pushing the boundaries of engineering materials

摘要

Technical ceramics are used in a wide range of electronics and engineering applications for their chemical and mechanical properties. Compared to metals, they are stronger in compression, especially at higher temperatures, have good thermal stability, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and good thermal and electrical resistance. They also are hard, and have excellent dimensional stability. Because of their desirable properties, the list of applications for technical ceramics is long and varied, including, for example, aerospace engine blades, ring and valve components, industrial pump bearings, cutting tools and die parts, and medical instruments, and they are widely used in the electronics industry as a substrate and in specialised vacuum components.