Minerals, Ceramics and Glasses

Abstract

In materials science and technology applied to minerals, ceramics and glasses, surface analysis is used in three principal modes: problem solving in quality control for existing processes and materials; materials characterisation after adsorption, surface coating, reaction or modification; and development of new materials or processes. We can illustrate each of these modes with a few examples. In problem solving, difficulties with control of contamination, coating or adsorption chemistry, adherence (e.g. delamination), discolouration and changes in surface reactivity are common. Characterisation includes the rapidly expanding industry of surface engineering of ceramic and glass layers for corrosion and wear resistance, alteration of surfaces for composite (e.g. polymer) compatibility and mineral surface weathering. The last area encompasses long-term projects in processes as diverse as minerals separation to bioceramic design for materials as diverse as clays, nuclear waste solids and superconductors.Much of the information on mineral, ceramic and glass surfaces has common features in both the categories of information required and the surface analytical techniques most applicable to extraction of that information. In general, the types of information include:D.