Food Industry and the Environment

Abstract

Throughout this book we have highlighted the engineering applications for ceramics. In the final analysis the importance of any material is based on the applications for which it can be used. For example, at the present time high-temperature superconductors (HTSC) are of research interest but are not commercially so important. Because of the unparalleled range of properties shown by ceramics they find application in a vast number of areas. This last chapter looks at the field from an industrial perspective. Because it is impossible to cover every aspect of the multibillion-dollar ceramic industry in one chapter we have chosen to focus on a few topics, mainly through examining case studies. One of the exciting prospects for the industry over the next decade is in nanotechnology. Ceramic nanopowders already represent the largest segment of the nanopowders market and are used for polishing and sunscreens, etc. With the demonstration of the successful growth of ceramic nanowires, nanosprings, and nanotubes, the potential exists for even more applications in critical areas such as hydrogen storage. As we have often done we begin with some history.