Chinese scientists have managed to create a strong, flexible ceramic. A new study reveals that ceramics can be made to bend like metal. This finding could lead to lighter, more efficient engines.
Flexible silicon nitride ceramics could boost performance of aerospace and automobile engines, according to paper. The technology could also be used to make better artificial joints and wind turbine components, scientist says.
Plasticity and strength were previously considered opposing qualities of ceramics – improvement in one typically meant a decline in the other. But the new material, which has the hardness of ceramic and the flexibility of metal, is the first example of scientists improving both at the same time, according to materials scientist Chen Kexin, who led the research.
A ceramic engine could move much faster than an alloy engine because it would be much lighter. Stress on other components is reduced by lightening the engine.
The substance might also be applied to car engines. A ceramic engine might have a smaller coolant tank due to ceramic materials’ superior heat resistance to alloys. A ceramic engine’s higher combustion temperatures might produce more thrust and less pollution.
