Idea of macro-scale and micro-scale prestressed ceramics

The brittleness of ceramics restricts their engineering application. Prestressing is promising to solve the problem, yet still lacks enough attention and extensive investigation. This work proposes the idea of macro-scale and micro-scale prestressed ceramics: to form compressive prestress in macro- or micro-scale range in the ceramics by designed additional force, which offsets the fracture stress at the crack tips, then enhances the strength of ceramics. The macro-scale prestressed ceramic has a designed long-range ordering stress distribution in a large scale, similar to the reinforced concrete and tempered glass. The micro-scale ceramic has a designed short-range ordered stress distribution, similar to that in the natural biomaterials. Strategies constructing the macro-scale and micro-scale prestressed ceramics are planned. Future research interests and challenges are prospected for developing the mechanical properties of ceramics.