Atomic force microscopy as a tool for imaging green and fired ceramic powder compacts

The dependence of mechanical strength on the microstructural properties of unfired and fired ceramic powder compacts is well known. There are various microscopy techniques used to image the structural details ofunfired and fired ceramics. The present paper discusses these and some of the problems associated with the traditional microscopy methods. It reviews the latest trend in imaging, atomic force microscopy, and the limitations of this imaging technique. Examples of images obtained with the contact mode atomic force microscope (AFM) of the surfaces of green and fired ceramic powder compacts are presented and discussed.