concurrent processes were surmised (as presented): (b) the decomposition of the ceramic and loss of oxygen under low oxygen partial pressure at high temperature leads to Cu2O formation; (c) copper diffuses into the ceramic and forms new oxides that absorb some oxygen upon cooling. Since only very few oxides, those of noble metals which are very expensive, are less stable than Cu2O and Cu2O was believed to be more stable than ZrW2O8, kinetic control of the reaction must be taken into account. For example, reducing reaction time and temperature helps alleviate the residual stress caused by different phases of the ceramic during reaction, which could lead to a delamination of the ceramic particles from the matrix and an increase in the CTE. References External links Strange Shrinking Material Zirconium(IV) compounds Tungstates Inorganic compounds