Abstract
Oxide-based ceramics have long been used as linings in containment vessels for hot materials (metals, glasses, cement, etc.) and hot gases, at temperatures often in excess of 1500°C, because of their chemical compatibility with these hot materials and with the process ambient—conditions where metals and polymers simply can't perform. However, their low thermal conductivities and generally high thermal expansivities cause poor thermal shock resistance. In addition, their creep resistance (resistance to permanent deformation under load) is generally poorer than the more covalently bonded ceramic materials such as nitrides and carbides which also have excellent thermal shock resistance.