METHODS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION FOR CERAMIC AND CERMET APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEMS THEREOF

A product according to one embodiment includes a first layer comprising a first material, the first layer having a gradient in composition, microstructure and/or density in an x-y plane, and the x-y plane being oriented parallel to a plane of deposition of the first layer. The first material includes non-spherical particles; and the product is optically transparent. A ceramic according to another embodiment includes a plurality of layers comprising non-spherical particles of a non-cubic material. Each layer is individually characterized by the non-spherical particles thereof being aligned in a common direction. A product in another embodiment includes a first layer having a first composition, a first microstructure, and a first density; and a second layer above the first layer, the second layer having: a second composition, a second microstructure, and/or a second density. A gradient in composition, microstructure, and/or density exists between the first layer and the second layer.