Creep and Creep Rupture of Oxide Ceramics

Oxide ceramic materials exhibit creep deformation at temperatures above about half their melting temperature. In pure materials creep is governed by diffusional processes, both through the lattice and via grain boundaries. Creep resistance can be improved by the addition of a second phase, whether particles (including nanoparticles) or whiskers. Creep resistance is also affected by the presence of vitreous grain boundaries phases in many oxide ceramics. Creep induces damage which, over time, results in microcracking and fracture. Several excellent and extensive reviews of these phenomena can be found in the literature.