Creating Functionality of Advanced Ceramics by Innovative Materials Processing

The 2016 Gordon Research Conference on Solid State Studies in Ceramics will focus on processing and microstructural design of advanced ceramic materials. While the production of optimum microstructures will dependent on the material, the application and finally the manufacturing costs, and it may require radically different processing routes for different materials and applications. The primary goal of processing science and technology is therefore a specific control of sintering and microstructural evolution. Out of the entire range of microstructures which are theoretically possible, each material system will be able to produce only a few of them, depending on the specific materials composition and properties. Within these material constraints, the aim is to achieve the most desirable ones to obtain distinctive properties required during life time of a ceramic component. In order to address these issues, this conference will bring together a wide range of researchers processing materials using advanced technologies, producing new and unique microstructures, developing modeling techniques to understand a microstructural evolution, as well as researchers measuring the properties of these advanced materials with the goal of being able to design microstructures to create enhanced and new functionalities.

The conference will create a stimulating forum of diverse and international investigators at the forefront of their field as well as junior scientists in a collegial atmosphere, with programmed discussion sessions and informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings. The unique format of the conference offers the possibility to explore new ideas and promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations in various research areas. Poster presentations provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work and exchange ideas with leaders in the field.