The mechanical properties of structural ceramics and composites are governed by the atomic configuration and chemical composition at the grain boundaries and interfaces. In addition, our research has revealed that the high temperature mass transport phenomenon that determines the heat resistance and plasticity of ceramics is significantly influenced by externally applied electro-magnetic fields. Our laboratory aims to develop unique mechanical properties in structural ceramics by means of controlling grain boundary structures and to develop new structural ceramics based on understanding of deformation / fracture mechanisms and interatomic interaction. Recent research topics are as follows.
a) High temperature deformation in grain boundary controlled ceramics
b) Superplastic forming of ceramics under applied strong electric fields
c) Defect structure and mass transport phenomena of ceramics under strong electric fields
d) Improvement of mechanical properties of ceramics using unique anisotropic texture

1. F.S. Ong, K. Nambu, K. Hosoi, K. Kawamura, H. Masuda, B. Feng, K. Matsui, Y. Ikuhara, H. Yoshida, “Tetragonal phase stabilization and densification in AC flash-sintered 1.5 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia polycrystals with high toughness”, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 44 (2024) 1036-1043.
2. K. Matsui, K. Hosoi, B. Feng, H. Yoshida, Y. Ikuhara, “Ultrahigh toughness zirconia ceramics”, PNAS, 120 [27] (2023) e2304498120.
3. A. Nakamoto, K. Nambu, H. Masuda, H. Yoshida, “Chemical bonding and crystal structure in flash sintered Y2O3 under DC or AC field”, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 43 [8] (2023) 3516-3523.
4. H. Motomura, D. Tamao, K. Nambu, H. Masuda, H. Yoshida, “Athermal effect of flash event on high-temperature plastic deformation in Y2O3-stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 polycrystal”, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc., 42 (2022) 5045–5052.
5. H. Masuda, K. Morita, T. Tokunaga, T. Yamamoto, H. Yoshida, “Anelasticity induced by AC flash processing of cubic zirconia”, Acta Mater., 227 (2022) 117704.