Thermal Processing of Materials: From Basic Research to Engineering

TLDR: In this paper, the authors review the active and growing field of thermal processing of materials, with a particular emphasis on the linking of basic research with engineering aspects, and couple research efforts directed at the fundamental mechanisms that govern materials processing with engineering issues that arise in the process, such as system design and optimisation, process feasibility and selection of operating conditions to achieve desired product characteristics.

Abstract: We review the active and growing field of thermal processing of materials, with a particular emphasis on the linking of basic research with engineering aspects. In order to meet the challenges posed by new applications arising in electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, and other areas, extensive work has been done on the development of new materials and processing techniques in recent years. Among the materials that have seen intense interest and research activity over the last two decades are semiconductor and optical materials, composites, ceramics, biomarerials, advanced polymers, and specialized alloys. New processing techniques have been developed to improve product quality, reduce cost, and control material properties. However, it is necessary to couple research efforts directed at the fundamental mechanisms that govern materials processing with engineering issues that arise in the process, such as system design and optimisation, process feasibility, and selection of operating conditions to achieve desired product characteristics