ABSTRACT
Ceramics are generally deŸned as inorganic nonmetallic solid materials. ˜is deŸnition includes not only materials such as pottery, porcelains, refractories, cements, abrasives, and glass but also nonmetallic magnetic materials, ferroelectrics, and a variety of other new materials. Interest in using ceramics for engineering application is rooted in unique ceramics classiŸed as advanced structural ceramics and electronic and optical ceramics [1,2]. Structural ceramics are presently used in diverse applications as tribomaterials [3-5] due to their unique properties that include resistance to wear and corrosion at elevated temperatures, low density, and unique electrical, thermal, and magnetic properties. Applications include precision instrument bearings, cutting tool inserts, prosthetic articulating joints, and engine components.
