The last 30 years have seen a steady development in the range of ceramic materials with potential for high temperature engineering applications: in the 60s, self-bonded silicon carbide and reaction-bonded silicon nitride; in the 70s, improved aluminas, sintered silicon carbide and silicon nitrides (including sialons); in the 80s, various toughened Zr0 materials, ceramic matrix composites reinforced with silicon 2 carbide continuous fibres or whiskers. Design methodologies were evolved in the 70s, incorporating the principles of fracture mechanics and the statistical variation and time...

This concise survey describes the requirements on materials operating in high-temperature environments and the processes that increase the temperature capability of metals, ceramics, and composites. The major part deals with the applicable materials and their specific properties, with one entire chapter devoted to coatings. Written for engineering and science students, researchers, and managers in industry.