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Reinforced ceramics are a type of advanced structural ceramic engineered to enhance toughness and resist crack propagation. This is achieved through microstructural design, such as incorporating fibrous or interlocked grains that deflect cracks and absorb energy. Another method is whisker or fiber reinforcement, which significantly increases fracture toughness. Transformation toughening, particularly in zirconia, uses phase transformations to create a compressive force that hinders crack growth. While these ceramics are more robust than conventional ones, they are costly and can lose properties at high temperatures. Applications include wear-resistant components and bone replacements.12

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