Processing science for engineering ceramics

Publisher Summary This chapter explores that ceramics science has been developed by relating average characters with atomistic processes. The mechanical properties of ceramics such as strength and fracture toughness are not simply explained by an average microstructural character. The mechanical properties of ceramics largely depend on the minor phase. The chapter focuses on evaluating and controlling the minor phase. The purpose is to show how this problem can be solved scientifically. Thus “minority science” for engineering ceramics is proposed instead of an “average science” for traditional ceramics. The examples of strengthening and toughening silicon nitride are presented and discussed in the chapter.