ABSTRACT
Ceramic materials such as silicon nitride and silicon carbide have several favorable characteristics in comparison with metals and polymers for advanced structural applications. They
1. Retain strength and rigidity to higher temperature. 2. Have greater hardness and provide superior wear resistance. 3. Have improved erosion and corrosion resistance in many thermochemical
environments. 4. Have low specific gravity compared to most metals and thus generate
lower stresses in applications such as bearings and turbine rotors. 5. Have relatively low thermal expansion and generate lower thermal
stresses.
