Editing Materials science (section)

===Ceramics and glasses===
{{Main|Ceramic}}
[[File:Si3N4bearings.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> ceramic bearing parts]]
Another application of materials science is the study of [[ceramic]]s and [[glass]]es, typically the most brittle materials with industrial relevance. Many ceramics and glasses exhibit covalent or ionic-covalent bonding with SiO<sub>2</sub> ([[Silicon dioxide|silica]]) as a fundamental building block. Ceramics – not to be confused with raw, unfired [[clay]] – are usually seen in crystalline form. The vast majority of commercial glasses contain a metal oxide fused with silica. At the high temperatures used to prepare glass, the material is a viscous liquid which solidifies into a disordered state upon cooling. Windowpanes and eyeglasses are important examples. Fibers of glass are also used for long-range telecommunication and optical transmission. Scratch resistant Corning [[Gorilla Glass]] is a well-known example of the application of materials science to drastically improve the properties of common components.

Engineering ceramics are known for their stiffness and stability under high temperatures, compression and electrical stress. Alumina, [[silicon carbide]], and [[tungsten carbide]] are made from a fine powder of their constituents in a process of sintering with a binder. Hot pressing provides higher density material. Chemical vapor deposition can place a film of a ceramic on another material. Cermets are ceramic particles containing some metals. The wear resistance of tools is derived from cemented carbides with the metal phase of cobalt and nickel typically added to modify properties.

Ceramics can be significantly strengthened for engineering applications using the principle of [[Faber-Evans model|crack deflection]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Faber |first1=K. T. |last2=Evans |first2=A. G. |date=1983-04-01 |title=Crack deflection processes—I. Theory |url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0001-6160%2883%2990046-9 |journal=Acta Metallurgica |language=en |volume=31 |issue=4 |pages=565–576 |doi=10.1016/0001-6160(83)90046-9 |issn=0001-6160}}</ref> This process involves the strategic addition of second-phase particles within a ceramic matrix, optimizing their shape, size, and distribution to direct and control crack propagation. This approach enhances fracture toughness, paving the way for the creation of advanced, high-performance ceramics in various industries.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Faber |first1=K. T. |last2=Evans |first2=A. G. |date=1983-04-01 |title=Crack deflection processes—II. Experiment |url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0001-6160%2883%2990047-0 |journal=Acta Metallurgica |language=en |volume=31 |issue=4 |pages=577–584 |doi=10.1016/0001-6160(83)90047-0 |issn=0001-6160}}</ref>