Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.180
Hanze Mu , Jie Yu , Saiwei Luan , Tong Wu , Yuanyuan Xiong , Lei Zhang
The nature of the titanium source can play a crucial role in the hydrothermal synthesis of BaTiO3, particularly in the hydrolysis of the titanium source. In this study, combining Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the influence of different titanium sources (TiCl4, H2TiO3, TiO2, and C16H36O4Ti) hydrolysis rate on the crystal structure, morphology of BaTiO3 powders and the dielectric properties of the sintered ceramics were investigated. Both computational and experimental results demonstrate that the hydrolysis rate of the titanium source affects the supply of Ti during the reaction, which in turn influences the nucleation and growth of BaTiO3. While the hydrolysis rates of TiCl4 and TiO2 meet the requirements of Ti supply during the synthesis of BaTiO3, a slower hydrolysis rate of TiO2 could result in smaller and more uniform particle sizes for its low energy barrier (0.12eV). The BaTiO3 powder synthesized with the TiO2 source exhibited the smallest average particle size (120 nm) and the highest tetragonality (c/a = 1.0082). Correspondingly, the ceramic sintered from this powder showed the lowest dielectric loss and a high dielectric constant (2300).
{"title":"Hydrolysis mechanisms of titanium precursors in hydrothermal synthesis of barium titanate: A combined computational and experimental study","authors":"Hanze Mu , Jie Yu , Saiwei Luan , Tong Wu , Yuanyuan Xiong , Lei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nature of the titanium source can play a crucial role in the hydrothermal synthesis of BaTiO<sub>3</sub>, particularly in the hydrolysis of the titanium source. In this study, combining Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the influence of different titanium sources (TiCl<sub>4</sub>, H<sub>2</sub>TiO<sub>3</sub>, TiO<sub>2</sub>, and C<sub>16</sub>H<sub>36</sub>O<sub>4</sub>Ti) hydrolysis rate on the crystal structure, morphology of BaTiO<sub>3</sub> powders and the dielectric properties of the sintered ceramics were investigated. Both computational and experimental results demonstrate that the hydrolysis rate of the titanium source affects the supply of Ti during the reaction, which in turn influences the nucleation and growth of BaTiO<sub>3</sub>. While the hydrolysis rates of TiCl<sub>4</sub> and TiO<sub>2</sub> meet the requirements of Ti supply during the synthesis of BaTiO<sub>3</sub>, a slower hydrolysis rate of TiO<sub>2</sub> could result in smaller and more uniform particle sizes for its low energy barrier (0.12eV). The BaTiO<sub>3</sub> powder synthesized with the TiO<sub>2</sub> source exhibited the smallest average particle size (120 nm) and the highest tetragonality (c/a = 1.0082). Correspondingly, the ceramic sintered from this powder showed the lowest dielectric loss and a high dielectric constant (2300).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3870-3881"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.025
Chunlei Xia , Weihua Xie , Songhe Meng , Fajun Yi , Fan Yang , Dong Yu , Bo Gao , Tongxiang Deng
The advancement of future hypersonic vehicles poses tangible challenges to the innovation of thermal protection materials. Herein, we prepared a novel integrated Cf/SiBCN amorphous ceramic-polymer continuous gradient thermal protection composite. Ablation tests were conducted on the integrated gradient material specimens using an arc-heated wind tunnel under heat flux conditions of 1.85 MW/m2 and 2.15 MW/m2, respectively. Although the ablation surface temperature of the material reached 1915 °C, its back temperature remained much lower than 105 °C within 300 s. The mass ablation rate and linear ablation rate were 3.42 × 10−6 g/(mm2·s) and −0.0028 mm/s, respectively. No obvious ablation cracks or holes were observed on the material surface. Notably, an in-situ molten protective layer formed on the specimen surface during the ablation process. Composed of silicides and borides, this dense molten layer covering the surface not only enables self-repair of damage but also enhances the ablation resistance and oxidation resistance of the material further. This material exhibits excellent ablation resistance, thermal insulation performance, and ablation deformation resistance. This study contributes to advancing the innovation of functionally and structurally integrated gradient thermal protection materials and has practical application potential in the field of hypersonic vehicles.
{"title":"Ablation resistance and heat insulation performance of integrated Cf/SiBCN ceramic-polymer gradient composites in arc wind tunnel","authors":"Chunlei Xia , Weihua Xie , Songhe Meng , Fajun Yi , Fan Yang , Dong Yu , Bo Gao , Tongxiang Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The advancement of future hypersonic vehicles poses tangible challenges to the innovation of thermal protection materials. Herein, we prepared a novel integrated C<sub>f</sub>/SiBCN amorphous ceramic-polymer continuous gradient thermal protection composite. Ablation tests were conducted on the integrated gradient material specimens using an arc-heated wind tunnel under heat flux conditions of 1.85 MW/m<sup>2</sup> and 2.15 MW/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively. Although the ablation surface temperature of the material reached 1915 °C, its back temperature remained much lower than 105 °C within 300 s. The mass ablation rate and linear ablation rate were 3.42 × 10<sup>−6</sup> g/(mm<sup>2</sup>·s) and −0.0028 mm/s, respectively. No obvious ablation cracks or holes were observed on the material surface. Notably, an in-situ molten protective layer formed on the specimen surface during the ablation process. Composed of silicides and borides, this dense molten layer covering the surface not only enables self-repair of damage but also enhances the ablation resistance and oxidation resistance of the material further. This material exhibits excellent ablation resistance, thermal insulation performance, and ablation deformation resistance. This study contributes to advancing the innovation of functionally and structurally integrated gradient thermal protection materials and has practical application potential in the field of hypersonic vehicles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 2887-2900"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.174
NiNa Ma, ShuYi Ma, Ping Ni, YinYue Wang, Heng Wang, JiaMin Zhu, GeGe Fan, JiaYun Guo, HaiYan Wang
As the economy surges forward at a brisk pace, people's living standards are concurrently improving. However, they are increasingly besieged by the detrimental effects of environmental pollution. Triethylamine, a significant volatile organic compound pollutant, is crucial to detect effectively. In this paper, the SnO2/SnWO4 sensor was synthesized using a singular hydrothermal technique predicated on the concept of composite modification. As gas-sensitive materials, the diminutive SnO2/SnWO4 nanosheets demonstrate remarkable sensitivity (181.63) to 200 ppm of triethylamine gas at a modest operating temperature of 130 °C. Additionally, they feature swift desorption rates (8 s) along with superb repeatability and enduring stability. Furthermore, the sensitization mechanism of this composite structure stems from several factors: the reduction in grain size, an increase in specific surface area, the formation of n-n heterojunctions, and the influence of electron concentration. This study verifies that fabricating n-n heterojunctions through composite modification represents a significant method for enhancing the gas sensitivity of sensors.
{"title":"Gas sensitivity in SnO2-SnWO4 composite nanostructures","authors":"NiNa Ma, ShuYi Ma, Ping Ni, YinYue Wang, Heng Wang, JiaMin Zhu, GeGe Fan, JiaYun Guo, HaiYan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.174","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.174","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the economy surges forward at a brisk pace, people's living standards are concurrently improving. However, they are increasingly besieged by the detrimental effects of environmental pollution. Triethylamine, a significant volatile organic compound pollutant, is crucial to detect effectively. In this paper, the SnO<sub>2</sub>/SnWO<sub>4</sub> sensor was synthesized using a singular hydrothermal technique predicated on the concept of composite modification. As gas-sensitive materials, the diminutive SnO<sub>2</sub>/SnWO<sub>4</sub> nanosheets demonstrate remarkable sensitivity (181.63) to 200 ppm of triethylamine gas at a modest operating temperature of 130 °C. Additionally, they feature swift desorption rates (8 s) along with superb repeatability and enduring stability. Furthermore, the sensitization mechanism of this composite structure stems from several factors: the reduction in grain size, an increase in specific surface area, the formation of n-n heterojunctions, and the influence of electron concentration. This study verifies that fabricating n-n heterojunctions through composite modification represents a significant method for enhancing the gas sensitivity of sensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3816-3825"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.090
Kamil Kleszcz , Witold Szymański , Łukasz Kaczmarek , Daniel Kottfer , Patrik Kľučiar , Mateusz Marzec , Anna Adamczyk , Krzysztof Mars , Karol Kyzioł
The bearing surfaces of joint implants created the need for a specific class of materials that are resistant to wear and corrosion in the environment of the human body, all the while staying biocompatible. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers are one of the most prominent solutions, proposed in scientific literature to fill this niche. The ability to dope amorphous DLC structures with atoms that enhance desirable properties or display biological activity further justifies high interest in the topic. This work explores and compares gradient and non-gradient doping with silicon and nitrogen in the case of DLC layers deposited by PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition). The scope of this article entails a comparison of morphologies and topographies investigated by SEM and AFM, differences and similarities in chemistry are emphasized with the help of FTIR, Raman and XPS spectroscopy. Relevant mechanical (Young's modulus, hardness) and tribological (coefficient of friction, wear) properties are measured and paralleled in the case of gradient and non-gradient Si:DLC/(Si,N):DLC layers. Superior hardness of gradient DLC layers was proven with (Si,N):DLC layer showing the best result (17.9 GPa), compared to non-gradient equivalent (13.6 GPa). Additionally, gradient Si:DLC layer and silicon gradient (Si,N):DLC layer showed lower coefficient of friction (down to 0.14) and wear (down to 5.37·10−6 mm3/N·m), in comparison to non-gradient equivalents.
{"title":"Tribology and mechanical performance of gradient Si:DLC and (Si,N):DLC layers on Ti6Al7Nb alloy","authors":"Kamil Kleszcz , Witold Szymański , Łukasz Kaczmarek , Daniel Kottfer , Patrik Kľučiar , Mateusz Marzec , Anna Adamczyk , Krzysztof Mars , Karol Kyzioł","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The bearing surfaces of joint implants created the need for a specific class of materials that are resistant to wear and corrosion in the environment of the human body, all the while staying biocompatible. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers are one of the most prominent solutions, proposed in scientific literature to fill this niche. The ability to dope amorphous DLC structures with atoms that enhance desirable properties or display biological activity further justifies high interest in the topic. This work explores and compares gradient and non-gradient doping with silicon and nitrogen in the case of DLC layers deposited by PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition). The scope of this article entails a comparison of morphologies and topographies investigated by SEM and AFM, differences and similarities in chemistry are emphasized with the help of FTIR, Raman and XPS spectroscopy. Relevant mechanical (Young's modulus, hardness) and tribological (coefficient of friction, wear) properties are measured and paralleled in the case of gradient and non-gradient Si:DLC/(Si,N):DLC layers. Superior hardness of gradient DLC layers was proven with (Si,N):DLC layer showing the best result (17.9 GPa), compared to non-gradient equivalent (13.6 GPa). Additionally, gradient Si:DLC layer and silicon gradient (Si,N):DLC layer showed lower coefficient of friction (down to 0.14) and wear (down to 5.37·10<sup>−6</sup> mm<sup>3</sup>/N·m), in comparison to non-gradient equivalents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 2945-2958"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.103
Zhengyou Li , Jagadeesha Angadi V , Kiran Shinde , Abdullah M. Al-Enizi , Mohd Ubaidullah , Enas S. Radwan
In this study, Cu0.5Zn0.5DyxFe2-xO4 (ZCDF; x = 0.0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02) spinel ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized using the solution combustion method and investigated for their structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties, with a focus on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a single-phase cubic structure with the Fd-3m space group across all doping levels. FTIR spectra validated the retention of characteristic metal–oxygen vibrations, while XRF and elemental mapping confirmed the homogeneous incorporation and spatial distribution of Dy3+ ions without forming secondary phases. Optical microscopy revealed a progressive enhancement in surface homogeneity with increasing Dy content. Electrochemical analyses demonstrated a significant improvement in HER activity for the x = 0.005 sample, which exhibited the lowest overpotential and charge transfer resistance, attributed to enhanced conductivity and optimal catalytic site availability. Tafel slope and EIS analyses corroborated the improved charge transfer kinetics. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed excellent capacitive behavior, with x = 0.02 displaying the highest areal capacitance (16.08 mF/cm2), indicating dual electrochemical functionality. These findings suggest that Dy-doped Cu-Zn ferrites are promising multifunctional materials for energy storage and electrocatalytic hydrogen production applications.
{"title":"Influence of Dy-doped copper–zinc ferrite ceramics for energy storage applications","authors":"Zhengyou Li , Jagadeesha Angadi V , Kiran Shinde , Abdullah M. Al-Enizi , Mohd Ubaidullah , Enas S. Radwan","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, Cu<sub>0.5</sub>Zn<sub>0.5</sub>Dy<sub>x</sub>Fe<sub>2-x</sub>O<sub>4</sub> (ZCDF; x = 0.0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02) spinel ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized using the solution combustion method and investigated for their structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties, with a focus on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a single-phase cubic structure with the <em>Fd-3m</em> space group across all doping levels. FTIR spectra validated the retention of characteristic metal–oxygen vibrations, while XRF and elemental mapping confirmed the homogeneous incorporation and spatial distribution of Dy<sup>3+</sup> ions without forming secondary phases. Optical microscopy revealed a progressive enhancement in surface homogeneity with increasing Dy content. Electrochemical analyses demonstrated a significant improvement in HER activity for the x = 0.005 sample, which exhibited the lowest overpotential and charge transfer resistance, attributed to enhanced conductivity and optimal catalytic site availability. Tafel slope and EIS analyses corroborated the improved charge transfer kinetics. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed excellent capacitive behavior, with x = 0.02 displaying the highest areal capacitance (16.08 mF/cm<sup>2</sup>), indicating dual electrochemical functionality. These findings suggest that Dy-doped Cu-Zn ferrites are promising multifunctional materials for energy storage and electrocatalytic hydrogen production applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3089-3102"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.100
Junfeng Yang , Jingfeng Wu , Jun Xiong , Yu Wen , Shengyan Yin , Qin Zhang
Herein, utilizing cheap carbonated beverage (Fanta) as the carbon source, the multiphasic TiO2/Cu-C composites are successfully designed and prepared for efficient photocatalytic H2 generation. Excitingly, the controllable preparation of triphasic, biphasic and rutile phase TiO2 can be achieved by adjusting the reaction temperature. As expected, under ultraviolet–visible light irradiation, the triphasic TiO2/Cu-C-5 exhibited the best photocatalytic H2 evolution rate (HER, 28.53 mmol g−1 h−1), which is about 21.45 and 1.65 times as high as than that of triphasic TiO2 and P25/Cu-C-5, respectively. In addition, the HER reached 7.67, 12.47 and 3.46 mmol g−1 h−1 in Tianyi lake water, Ganjing river water and Bohai seawater, respectively. Furthermore, the experiment of inorganic salt ions effect on HPR shows that NO3− and SO42- ions have great negative influence. This transient photocurrent response, photoluminescence and photoluminescence lifetime experiments indicate that the carrier Cu-C and the construction of heterophase junctions are conducive to the separation of photogenerated charges and reducing their recombination efficiency, resulting in the improvement of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. Meanwhile, the Cu-C sample contains hollow spheres, which facilitate the refraction of light and enhance its absorption. These advantages strongly prove that the triphasic TiO2/Cu-C photocatalyst has potential application prospects in the field of catalytic hydrogen evolution in deionized water and natural water.
{"title":"Cu-carbon hollow and solid sphere modified triphasic TiO2 for efficient H2 generation in deionized water and river water","authors":"Junfeng Yang , Jingfeng Wu , Jun Xiong , Yu Wen , Shengyan Yin , Qin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Herein, utilizing cheap carbonated beverage (Fanta) as the carbon source, the multiphasic TiO<sub>2</sub>/Cu-C composites are successfully designed and prepared for efficient photocatalytic H<sub>2</sub> generation. Excitingly, the controllable preparation of triphasic, biphasic and rutile phase TiO<sub>2</sub> can be achieved by adjusting the reaction temperature. As expected, under ultraviolet–visible light irradiation, the triphasic TiO<sub>2</sub>/Cu-C-5 exhibited the best photocatalytic H<sub>2</sub> evolution rate (HER, 28.53 mmol g<sup>−1</sup> h<sup>−1</sup>), which is about 21.45 and 1.65 times as high as than that of triphasic TiO<sub>2</sub> and P25/Cu-C-5, respectively. In addition, the HER reached 7.67, 12.47 and 3.46 mmol g<sup>−1</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> in Tianyi lake water, Ganjing river water and Bohai seawater, respectively. Furthermore, the experiment of inorganic salt ions effect on HPR shows that NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> and SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2</sup><sup>-</sup> ions have great negative influence. This transient photocurrent response, photoluminescence and photoluminescence lifetime experiments indicate that the carrier Cu-C and the construction of heterophase junctions are conducive to the separation of photogenerated charges and reducing their recombination efficiency, resulting in the improvement of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. Meanwhile, the Cu-C sample contains hollow spheres, which facilitate the refraction of light and enhance its absorption. These advantages strongly prove that the triphasic TiO<sub>2</sub>/Cu-C photocatalyst has potential application prospects in the field of catalytic hydrogen evolution in deionized water and natural water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3049-3059"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.113
R. Jayasree , S.N. Sahoo , Mangal Roy , D. Chakravarty
The interface plays a vital role in determining the performance of a functionally graded material (FGM). In the present work, the difference in compositional gradation at the interfaces of a three-layered (3L) Ti6Al4V-yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) FGM was reduced by increasing the number of layers to five (5L). The FGM samples were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and the effects of the number of layers on hardness, compressive and bending strength, wear, corrosion, and in vitro cytocompatibility were investigated. Due to lower compositional variation among layers the 5L FGM yielded better bulk density (99.4 %) compared to the 3L FGM (96.3 %) and also yielded strong interfacial bonding devoid of microcracks, porosity or reaction layers leading to 12 % and 26 % improvement in compressive and flexural strength, respectively. A gradual increase in hardness with YSZ content (10–90 %) was observed in 5L compared to the 3L samples with maximum hardness reaching 1490 ± 10 HV0.3 for the 5L sample containing 90 % YSZ. The increased hardness resulted in a concomitant 1.5-fold improvement in wear resistance in the sample. The 5L sample also exhibited 58 % and 30 % higher corrosion resistance on the YSZ-rich and Ti6Al4V-rich sides respectively, which can be attributed to the formation of a stable passive film in the matrix along with its superior density. The improved corrosion resistance of the FGMs promoted cell viability and enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity. The present investigation demonstrates the benefits of increasing the number of layers in the Ti6Al4V-YSZ FGMs fabricated by SPS on the tribo-mechanical, corrosion and biological properties enhancing their potential as promising dental implant materials.
{"title":"Effect of number of layers on the synergistic enhancement of in vitro cytocompatibility, tribo-mechanical and chemical properties of functionally graded Ti6Al4V-YSZ composites by spark plasma sintering","authors":"R. Jayasree , S.N. Sahoo , Mangal Roy , D. Chakravarty","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interface plays a vital role in determining the performance of a functionally graded material (FGM). In the present work, the difference in compositional gradation at the interfaces of a three-layered (3L) Ti6Al4V-yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) FGM was reduced by increasing the number of layers to five (5L). The FGM samples were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and the effects of the number of layers on hardness, compressive and bending strength, wear, corrosion, and in vitro cytocompatibility were investigated. Due to lower compositional variation among layers the 5L FGM yielded better bulk density (99.4 %) compared to the 3L FGM (96.3 %) and also yielded strong interfacial bonding devoid of microcracks, porosity or reaction layers leading to 12 % and 26 % improvement in compressive and flexural strength, respectively. A gradual increase in hardness with YSZ content (10–90 %) was observed in 5L compared to the 3L samples with maximum hardness reaching 1490 ± 10 HV<sub>0.3</sub> for the 5L sample containing 90 % YSZ. The increased hardness resulted in a concomitant 1.5-fold improvement in wear resistance in the sample. The 5L sample also exhibited 58 % and 30 % higher corrosion resistance on the YSZ-rich and Ti6Al4V-rich sides respectively, which can be attributed to the formation of a stable passive film in the matrix along with its superior density. The improved corrosion resistance of the FGMs promoted cell viability and enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity. The present investigation demonstrates the benefits of increasing the number of layers in the Ti6Al4V-YSZ FGMs fabricated by SPS on the tribo-mechanical, corrosion and biological properties enhancing their potential as promising dental implant materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3208-3221"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.114
S. Terlicka , S. Gambaro , M. Janusz-Skuza , L. Fenocchio , F. Valenza
The interfacial behavior between molten AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) and oxide ceramics was systematically studied to evaluate, for the first time, how ceramic composition and stoichiometry affect wetting and reactivity. Understanding these interactions is crucial for designing next-generation ceramic-metal composites, high-temperature joining methods, and HEA manufacturing processes, where controlled wetting is vital. Sessile-drop experiments were performed at 1450 °C under vacuum on polycrystalline alumina (Al2O3) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates, both in stoichiometric (ZrO2) and oxygen-deficient (ZrO2-x) forms. SEM/TEM analysis of HEA/oxide ceramic interfaces, supported by CALPHAD thermodynamic calculations using an in-house GHEA database, showed that wetting behavior strongly depends on substrate stoichiometry. The HEA partially wet Al2O3 ( ∼ 88°) but did not wet stoichiometric ZrO2 ( ∼ 101°), with no evidence of chemical bonding in either case, indicating that these substrates could be suitable as a possible casting mold for HEA production. In contrast, the non-stoichiometric ZrO2-x substrate promoted reactive wetting ( ∼ 77°), accompanied by interfacial dissolution and formation of a stable metallurgical bond. This behavior emphasizes the important role of oxygen deficiency in activating interfacial reactions and changing wetting dynamics. Overall, this study offers the first insight into the molten HEA/oxide ceramic interface, demonstrating how ceramic stoichiometry governs the transition from inert to reactive wetting. These results provide a scientific basis for adapting HEA/oxide ceramic interfaces in advanced joining, coating, and composite technologies operating at high temperatures, as well as in HEA production.
{"title":"Wetting and reactivity of molten AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy on ceramic substrates: A comparative study of Al2O3 and ZrO2","authors":"S. Terlicka , S. Gambaro , M. Janusz-Skuza , L. Fenocchio , F. Valenza","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interfacial behavior between molten AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) and oxide ceramics was systematically studied to evaluate, for the first time, how ceramic composition and stoichiometry affect wetting and reactivity. Understanding these interactions is crucial for designing next-generation ceramic-metal composites, high-temperature joining methods, and HEA manufacturing processes, where controlled wetting is vital. Sessile-drop experiments were performed at 1450 °C under vacuum on polycrystalline alumina (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates, both in stoichiometric (ZrO<sub>2</sub>) and oxygen-deficient (ZrO<sub>2-x</sub>) forms. SEM/TEM analysis of HEA/oxide ceramic interfaces, supported by CALPHAD thermodynamic calculations using an in-house GHEA database, showed that wetting behavior strongly depends on substrate stoichiometry. The HEA partially wet Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>θ</mi><msub><mi>f</mi><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mi>H</mi><mi>E</mi><mi>A</mi><mo>/</mo><msub><mrow><mi>A</mi><mi>l</mi></mrow><mn>2</mn></msub><msub><mi>O</mi><mrow><mn>3</mn><mspace></mspace></mrow></msub></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></msub></msub></mrow></math></span> ∼ 88°) but did not wet stoichiometric ZrO<sub>2</sub> (<span><math><mrow><msub><msub><mi>θ</mi><mi>f</mi></msub><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mi>H</mi><mi>E</mi><mi>A</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>Z</mi><mi>r</mi><msub><mi>O</mi><mn>2</mn></msub></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> ∼ 101°), with no evidence of chemical bonding in either case, indicating that these substrates could be suitable as a possible casting mold for HEA production. In contrast, the non-stoichiometric ZrO<sub>2-x</sub> substrate promoted reactive wetting (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>θ</mi><msub><mi>f</mi><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mi>H</mi><mi>E</mi><mi>A</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>Z</mi><mi>r</mi><msub><mi>O</mi><mrow><mn>2</mn><mo>−</mo><mi>x</mi></mrow></msub></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></msub></msub></mrow></math></span> ∼ 77°), accompanied by interfacial dissolution and formation of a stable metallurgical bond. This behavior emphasizes the important role of oxygen deficiency in activating interfacial reactions and changing wetting dynamics. Overall, this study offers the first insight into the molten HEA/oxide ceramic interface, demonstrating how ceramic stoichiometry governs the transition from inert to reactive wetting. These results provide a scientific basis for adapting HEA/oxide ceramic interfaces in advanced joining, coating, and composite technologies operating at high temperatures, as well as in HEA production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3222-3236"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.131
Weichen Xu , Xiaomeng Li , Hong Wang , Fuliang Wang , Shouqiang Han , Jing Guo
Microwave dielectric ceramics are critical components in wireless communications. However, it is still a challenge to develop microwave dielectric ceramics with reduced sintering temperatures, high thermal stabilities and good dielectric properties at the same time. Herein, the entropy value, which is able to modulate the grain boundary energy and adjust the inherent sintering temperature, is engineered to develop high-performance microwave dielectric ceramics with low sintering temperatures. The structure-property relationships of AWO4 ceramics, including (NaCaBi)1/3WO4, (NaCaSrBi)1/4WO4, (NaLiCaBiSm)1/5WO4 and (NaLiCaSrBiSm)1/6WO4 with increased entropy values are investigated systematically. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution TEM analyses confirm the formation of single-phase solid solutions with the tetragonal scheelite structure in AWO4 ceramics. As the number of elements in the A-site varies, the relative permittivities, Q × f values and TCF values shift in the range of 12.2–16.5, 8,000–25,000 GHz and −32.3–31.6 ppm/°C, respectively. Simultaneously, the high-entropy samples demonstrate the lowest sintering temperature of 750 °C among the four formulations. Phillips-Van Vechten-Levine (PVL) complex chemical bond theory reveals that the covalency, lattice energy and bond energy affect the relative permittivity, Q × f value and TCF value, respectively. Raman spectra suggest that high entropy value leads to increased disorder, and infrared reflectivity spectra illustrate that the dielectric response is dominated by polarized optical phonons of [WO4] tetrahedron. It is anticipated that entropy design will facilitate the development of microwave dielectric ceramics in low temperature co-fired ceramic applications.
{"title":"Structure-property relationships of AWO4 (A = Na, Li, Ca, Sr, Bi, Sm) microwave dielectric ceramics with different entropy designs","authors":"Weichen Xu , Xiaomeng Li , Hong Wang , Fuliang Wang , Shouqiang Han , Jing Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microwave dielectric ceramics are critical components in wireless communications. However, it is still a challenge to develop microwave dielectric ceramics with reduced sintering temperatures, high thermal stabilities and good dielectric properties at the same time. Herein, the entropy value, which is able to modulate the grain boundary energy and adjust the inherent sintering temperature, is engineered to develop high-performance microwave dielectric ceramics with low sintering temperatures. The structure-property relationships of AWO<sub>4</sub> ceramics, including (NaCaBi)<sub>1/3</sub>WO<sub>4</sub>, (NaCaSrBi)<sub>1/4</sub>WO<sub>4</sub>, (NaLiCaBiSm)<sub>1/5</sub>WO<sub>4</sub> and (NaLiCaSrBiSm)<sub>1/6</sub>WO<sub>4</sub> with increased entropy values are investigated systematically. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution TEM analyses confirm the formation of single-phase solid solutions with the tetragonal scheelite structure in AWO<sub>4</sub> ceramics. As the number of elements in the A-site varies, the relative permittivities, <em>Q</em> × <em>f</em> values and <em>TCF</em> values shift in the range of 12.2–16.5, 8,000–25,000 GHz and −32.3–31.6 ppm/°C, respectively. Simultaneously, the high-entropy samples demonstrate the lowest sintering temperature of 750 °C among the four formulations. Phillips-Van Vechten-Levine (PVL) complex chemical bond theory reveals that the covalency, lattice energy and bond energy affect the relative permittivity, <em>Q</em> × <em>f</em> value and <em>TCF</em> value, respectively. Raman spectra suggest that high entropy value leads to increased disorder, and infrared reflectivity spectra illustrate that the dielectric response is dominated by polarized optical phonons of [WO<sub>4</sub>] tetrahedron. It is anticipated that entropy design will facilitate the development of microwave dielectric ceramics in low temperature co-fired ceramic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3389-3398"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.138
Jiang Bin-zhi , Xiang Yang , Mo Chen , Peng Zhi-hang , Wen Jin , Cao Jian-ping , Li Hai-long
Continuous alumina fiber-reinforced alumina matrix composites (Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites) were fabricated via a precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) route. The effects of simulated space environments— thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and total-dose irradiation— on the microstructure and mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. After exposure, the composite flexural strength dropped by 75 %, 76 %, and 86 %, respectively, while the tensile strength of individual alumina fibers decreased by 36.3 %, 27.0 %, and 21.6 %. XRD, SEM, and XPS analyses suggest increased crystallinity, surface cracking, and matrix fragmentation that weaken fiber/matrix interfacial integrity, thereby degrading flexural performance.
{"title":"Space environment properties of Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites","authors":"Jiang Bin-zhi , Xiang Yang , Mo Chen , Peng Zhi-hang , Wen Jin , Cao Jian-ping , Li Hai-long","doi":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Continuous alumina fiber-reinforced alumina matrix composites (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3f</sub>/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> composites) were fabricated via a precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) route. The effects of simulated space environments— thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and total-dose irradiation— on the microstructure and mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. After exposure, the composite flexural strength dropped by 75 %, 76 %, and 86 %, respectively, while the tensile strength of individual alumina fibers decreased by 36.3 %, 27.0 %, and 21.6 %. XRD, SEM, and XPS analyses suggest increased crystallinity, surface cracking, and matrix fragmentation that weaken fiber/matrix interfacial integrity, thereby degrading flexural performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":267,"journal":{"name":"Ceramics International","volume":"52 3","pages":"Pages 3470-3480"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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