Processing and properties of advanced porous ceramics: An application based review

Ceramics with engineered porosity are promising materials for a number of functional and structural applications including thermal insulation, filters, bio-scaffolds for tissue engineering, and preforms for composite fabrication. In this application based review of advanced porous ceramics, the microstructure of porous components is discussed in terms of the necessary features required to achieve the ideal properties for the intended application. The processing methods that are capable of producing the required microstructure are addressed. Those methods which allow the pore structure to be tailored or controlled are considered the most favorable processing techniques.