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Most of the young researchers from the YCN whom I have met were already heavily involved in ceramics during their studies. My own path into ceramics was quite different, as I only encountered the field towards the end of my education. During my bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, I was convinced that I would build a career in robotics and precision mechanics. However, during my master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology, I discovered that my real passion lay in materials science and the mechanics of materials. Even then, most of my coursework focused on metals and polymers. I completed an internship in resin-based 3D printing at the University of Sydney, and I was hoping to do a graduation project with metals just so that I could make a beautiful EBSD image of the crystalline structure.

(Un)Fortunately, that was not the case, and I started my journey into ceramics with my graduation project, in which I investigated the influence of the production process on the material composition and microstructure of a zero coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) ceramic matrix composite (CMC). This project was a collaboration between Eindhoven University of Technology and ASML. During the project, I studied the production process, designed and built an experimental setup for manufacturing reaction-bonded carbon fibre reinforced silicon-silicon carbide samples, and performed extensive material characterization. One of the highlights of the project was being selected as the representative of the Netherlands in the Student Speech Contest at the XIX ECerS Conference in Dresden. The conference was also my first introduction to the ceramists community, where I met many enthusiastic and inspiring people who shared a passion for the field.

The transition from university to industry was not a huge step for me, as I have already gained industrial experience through internships and a part-time position at an engineering firm. The biggest difference was the way research is approached. At university, the first step is often to dive into the literature and build a thorough understanding of the topic before starting experiments. During experimental work, the objective is usually to investigate as many possibilities as possible and understand every aspect of the underlying mechanisms. In industry, the priorities are often different. The first goal is to find a solution that works. Understanding exactly why it works remains important, but that investigation can sometimes follow at a later stage.

One of the things I enjoy most about my department is the diversity of backgrounds and experience levels. During my studies, I was mostly surrounded by mechanical engineers, so discussions and solutions were naturally approached from a mechanical engineering perspective. At CoorsTek, however, I work alongside physicists, chemical engineers, process engineers, analysts, and other colleagues with decades of experience in ceramics. This combination of perspectives often leads to creative solutions. For example, a production method currently being applied to a new product is based on technology that was originally developed for lighting components when our site was still part of Philips.

This past year has been a tremendous learning experience. At the same time, I have discovered that, even though my experience in ceramics can still be counted in months rather than years, my background in mechanics and materials science allows me to contribute new perspectives and innovative ideas to the challenges we face at CoorsTek. For me, that is one of the most exciting aspects of working in ceramic R&D: bringing together knowledge from different disciplines to solve complex problems.

Joost Guiking

jguiking@coorstek.com

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CoorsTek Netherlands B.V.