Ultra high temperature ceramics : materials for extreme environment applications ; [based on presentations by leading research groups at the Conference Ultra High Temperature Ceramics: Materials for Extreme Environment Applications II held May 13 19 2012 in Hernstein Austria] This book provides a snapshot of the current state of the art in the processing densification properties and performance of boride and carbide ceramics. The book contains contributions from leading experts who have active research in ultra high temperature ceramics This book will capture historic aspects and recent progress on the research and development of ultra high temperature ceramics. This will be the first comprehensive book focused on this class of materials in more than 20 years. The book will review historic studies and recent progress in the field. The intent is to provide a broad overview and critical analysis rather than focus on the latest scientific results. The content will include synthesis powder processing densification property measurement and characterization of boride and carbide ceramics. Emphasis will be on materials for hypersonic aerospace applications such as wing leading edges and propulsion components for vehicles traveling faster than Mach 5 but will also include materials used in the extreme environments associated with high speed cutting tools and nuclear power generation