Ceramics in Electrical Components" />
Image Credit: Danny Iacob/Shutterstock.com
Technical ceramics have an impressive range of electrical properties that have made them useful in a number of applications. They are excellent insulators, semiconductors, and superconductors in addition to having piezoelectric and magnetic properties. For this reason, research and development in the field of technical ceramics have led to advancements in the manufacture of products such as portable computing devices, cell phones, gaming systems, and more.
Presently, work in the specific areas of sensors, antennas, capacitors, and resistors provide the most promising areas of growth for technical ceramics in electrical components, these fields are discussed below.
In addition, applications in the aviation and space travel industries also provide a strong opportunity for the growth of technical ceramics in electrical components due to the advantages of using lightweight ceramic material in this field.
Developments in 3D printing methods of technical ceramics are discussed with relevance to how this will further boost the growth of technical ceramics in electrical components. Finally, we discuss China as a specific region that shows promising growth in its use of technical ceramics.
Sensors Using Intelligent Materials for a Wide Range of Applications
Recent developments in piezo-ceramic sensor technology have allowed for advancements in devices such as burglar alarms, parking aids, vehicle knock sensors, and pick-ups for musical instruments.
Researchers have developed the use of lead zirconate titanate and barium titanate in Piezoelectric ceramics to create a class of intelligent materials for use in a variety of sensors. The rapid growth of the Internet of Things has boosted demand for the development of more intelligent sensors with increased capabilities for uses in a wide range of applications. This increased demand presents a great opportunity for technical ceramics; further developments in Piezoelectric ceramics are likely to be essential for establishing new and improved sensors.
Ceramic Nanotubes Can Act as Antennas
A team of researchers at Purdue University recently published a study describing how they successfully engineered ceramic nanotubes that act as thermal antennas. The antennas will be significant in the aviation industry which uses gas turbine engines that rely on ceramic coatings to maintain a craft’s structural integrity at high temperatures. The nanotubes offer control over the spectrum and direction of high-temperature heat radiation, making them highly useful to future plane design.
Ceramic Electronic Capacitors
A recent breakthrough in the processing methods for barium titanate has successfully increased the surface area in ceramic capacitors, which has resulted in a significant improvement in the effectiveness of electronic capacitors built with ceramics. This advancement will lead to growth in the use of technical ceramics as capacitors.
Ceramic Resistors are Highly Conductive
Advances in the design of resistors, utilizing the high thermal conductivity of aluminum nitride, has led to the development of highly conductive ceramic resistors, presenting a potential area of growth for the technical ceramic industry.
3D Printing and the Advent of 4D Printing
In August 2019, a team of researchers at City University of Hong Kong established a method for 4D printing for ceramics. They developed a ceramic ink that can 3D print complex shapes that can reform themselves following exposure to heat. The advent of this technology provides a huge area of untapped potential, as researchers have the opportunity to make further ground-breaking discoveries in 4D ceramic printing.
China’s Electronics Market Will Drive its Technical Ceramics Market
Of all global regions, China presents the most potentially fruitful market for the use of technical ceramics in electronics. The country’s electronics market has seen rapid, but stable growth over recent years which is expected to continue. The growth in this market is driving growth in the technical ceramics industry in this region as demand for ceramic components increases.
Summary
Technical ceramics have made an impact in the world of electronics as their unique properties have fueled their use within electrical components. Experts have uncovered that particular areas of future growth will be linked to developments in sensors, antennas, capacitors, and resistors, as well as developments in 3D and 4D printing of technical ceramics. Finally, China presents the greatest opportunity for growth in terms of global markets due to its rapidly growing electronics industry.
Sources and Further Reading
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.