Oriented crystallization of eutectics: new prospects for refractory oxide ceramics. (Review)

The data from literature concerning oriented crystallization of refractory oxide eutectics formed by oxides of aluminium, magnesium, calcium, zirconium, yttrium, hafnium, titanium, lanthanoids and their compounds are generalized. The methods for production of oriented crystallized eutectics (OCE) of refractory oxides as well as their structure, crystallographic relations between the phases, mechanical properties are discussed. It is concluded that theoretical grounds of the OCE method created on the basis of the metal systems is applicable to refractory oxide OCE. The objectives and problems concerned with development of the oriented crystallization method for refractory oxide ceramic eutectics are formulated