Industrial materials are roughly divided into four groups; metal, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers. Because ceramics have wide electromagnetic properties, they are used in various electronic circuits (electroceramics). Or, ceramics have superior mechanical properties at high temperatures, they are used as engine components. Purpose of research in this laboratory is to obtain a guide to design new electroceramics. The followings are current research fields.

  The properties of ceramics are determined by chemical composition. Crystal structures and chemical species are major factors determining basic properties. Additives also modify the properties of ceramics. The effect of chemical composition on the electromagnetic properties must be understood to develop new ceramics with superior characteristics. We are studying the role of crystal structures, chemical species, and additives on the electronic and optical properties of ceramic.

  Bulk ceramics are fabricated by powder preparation, consolidation, and sintering. Ceramic thin films are grown on a substrate form liquid and vapor phases. These ceramics are composed of fine crystallites. The properties of ceramics are determined by not only chemical composition but also microstructure of fine crystallites. We are studying microstructure development of ceramics during fabrication processes based on the physico-chemical view point, aiming the control of microstructure and development of new
ceramics with controlled properties.

  Composite materials are designed to display a combination of the best characteristics of each of the component materials. New composites of ceramics with metal, polymer, and ceramics are developed. Structure and properties of interface between different materials determine the characteristics of composites. We are studying the structure and properties of ceramic/ceramic interface, to develop composites with new functions.