Geopolymers are promising materials to be used as strontium adsorbent in fixed-bed processes for nuclear wastewater decontamination. Nevertheless, geopolymer formulation parameters – SiO2/MO, HO/MO molar ratios – influence microstructure and strontium sorption property evolution under water leaching. Increasing the SiO2/MO ratio increases the geopolymer’s compressive strength (16 MPa to 35 MPa) and reduces silicon leaching in water (1.31 mmol.g−1 to 0.26 mmol.g−1). This resistance to leaching results from a silicon-richer structure, reinforcing hydrolysis resistance. An increase in HO/MO ratio reduces the material’s strength (59 MPa to 28 MPa), and increases leaching due to greater porosity. Then, water leaching lowers sorption properties of the geopolymers by releasing Al, which are exchange sites for cations. Nonetheless, the composition with the lowest Al concentration achieved the highest distribution coefficient (K) and fastest kinetics. This highlights the critical role of the silicon environment for optimal cation trapping, outmatch the total concentration of Al sites.
{"title":"Microstructural and sorption properties evolution on leached geopolymers for strontium decontamination","authors":"Alexis Varon , Alban Gossard , Yves Barré , Yannick Coppel , Arnaud Poulesquen","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100895","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100895","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Geopolymers are promising materials to be used as strontium adsorbent in fixed-bed processes for nuclear wastewater decontamination. Nevertheless, geopolymer formulation parameters – SiO<sub>2</sub>/M<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>O, H<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>O/M<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>O molar ratios – influence microstructure and strontium sorption property evolution under water leaching. Increasing the SiO<sub>2</sub>/M<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>O ratio increases the geopolymer’s compressive strength (16 MPa to 35 MPa) and reduces silicon leaching in water (1.31 mmol.g<sup>−1</sup> to 0.26 mmol.g<sup>−1</sup>). This resistance to leaching results from a silicon-richer structure, reinforcing hydrolysis resistance. An increase in H<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>O/M<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>O ratio reduces the material’s strength (59 MPa to 28 MPa), and increases leaching due to greater porosity. Then, water leaching lowers sorption properties of the geopolymers by releasing Al<span><math><msup><mrow></mrow><mrow><mi>I</mi><mi>V</mi></mrow></msup></math></span>, which are exchange sites for cations. Nonetheless, the composition with the lowest Al<span><math><msup><mrow></mrow><mrow><mi>I</mi><mi>V</mi></mrow></msup></math></span> concentration achieved the highest distribution coefficient (K<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mi>D</mi></mrow></msub></math></span>) and fastest kinetics. This highlights the critical role of the silicon environment for optimal cation trapping, outmatch the total concentration of Al<span><math><msup><mrow></mrow><mrow><mi>I</mi><mi>V</mi></mrow></msup></math></span> sites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100895"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100892
Binjie Chen , Fang-Zhou Yao , Zhongshang Dou , Wenying Fan , Dongfang Yu , Binglin Shen , Chao-Feng Wu , Qiang He , Chen Tian , Sheng Hu , Wen Gong , Ke Wang
Amorphous potassium sodium niobate (KNN) thin films were deposited onto Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates at 200 °C using magnetron sputtering. The resultant films were then annealed in an alkali metal element atmosphere formed by alkali metal carbonates. The influence of annealing dwell time on the films' properties was investigated. It was observed that while the overall crystalline phase and elemental composition of the films remained essentially unchanged, their electrical characteristics exhibited systematic variations. Microscopic analysis revealed that extending the annealing time within an optimal range facilitated the formation of ferroelectric domain structures and enhanced piezoresponse phase contrast between domains. However, prolonged annealing led to localized phase segregation, resulting in performance degradation. Our results provide useful insights into the fabrication of KNN thin films using magnetron sputtering or other thermally involved synthesis methods.
{"title":"Effects of annealing dwell time on piezoelectric properties of KNN thin films: Phase insensitive behavior","authors":"Binjie Chen , Fang-Zhou Yao , Zhongshang Dou , Wenying Fan , Dongfang Yu , Binglin Shen , Chao-Feng Wu , Qiang He , Chen Tian , Sheng Hu , Wen Gong , Ke Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100892","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100892","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amorphous potassium sodium niobate (KNN) thin films were deposited onto Pt/Ti/SiO<sub>2</sub>/Si substrates at 200 °C using magnetron sputtering. The resultant films were then annealed in an alkali metal element atmosphere formed by alkali metal carbonates. The influence of annealing dwell time on the films' properties was investigated. It was observed that while the overall crystalline phase and elemental composition of the films remained essentially unchanged, their electrical characteristics exhibited systematic variations. Microscopic analysis revealed that extending the annealing time within an optimal range facilitated the formation of ferroelectric domain structures and enhanced piezoresponse phase contrast between domains. However, prolonged annealing led to localized phase segregation, resulting in performance degradation. Our results provide useful insights into the fabrication of KNN thin films using magnetron sputtering or other thermally involved synthesis methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100892"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100889
Le Fu , Mingxi Deng , Zihua Lei , Jiang Li , Wei Xia
In this study, we investigated the effects of amorphous SiO2 on the sintering mechanism and grain coarsening behavior of ZrO2 nanograins in ZrO2–SiO2 nanocrystalline ceramics (NCCs) during pressureless sintering (PLS). Two NCCs with different ZrO2/SiO2 molar ratios (65 %:35 % and 50 %:50 %) were fabricated and subsequently sintered via PLS. Their densification behavior and phase composition were analyzed. The SiO2 content had a significant effect on the activation of viscous flow sintering. The NCC containing 50 mol% SiO2 achieved high densification after sintering at 1210 °C, whereas a higher temperature of 1250 °C was required to enable significant densification in the NCC with 35 mol% SiO2. The crystallization of ZrO2 restricted the viscous flow of SiO2, thereby impeding the densification process. Hot isostatic pressing did not eliminate the residual pores remaining after PLS. The SiO2 matrix was capable of inhibiting the coarsening of ZrO2 nanograins by acting as a diffusion barrier. These findings reveal the dual effects of amorphous SiO2 during PLS and provide guidance for the fabrication of dense NCCs with minimal grain coarsening.
{"title":"Dual effects of amorphous SiO2 in ZrO2-SiO2 nanoceramics: Enable viscous flow sintering and inhibit grain coarsening","authors":"Le Fu , Mingxi Deng , Zihua Lei , Jiang Li , Wei Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100889","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100889","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we investigated the effects of amorphous SiO<sub>2</sub> on the sintering mechanism and grain coarsening behavior of ZrO<sub>2</sub> nanograins in ZrO<sub>2</sub>–SiO<sub>2</sub> nanocrystalline ceramics (NCCs) during pressureless sintering (PLS). Two NCCs with different ZrO<sub>2</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> molar ratios (65 %:35 % and 50 %:50 %) were fabricated and subsequently sintered via PLS. Their densification behavior and phase composition were analyzed. The SiO<sub>2</sub> content had a significant effect on the activation of viscous flow sintering. The NCC containing 50 mol% SiO<sub>2</sub> achieved high densification after sintering at 1210 °C, whereas a higher temperature of 1250 °C was required to enable significant densification in the NCC with 35 mol% SiO<sub>2</sub>. The crystallization of ZrO<sub>2</sub> restricted the viscous flow of SiO<sub>2</sub>, thereby impeding the densification process. Hot isostatic pressing did not eliminate the residual pores remaining after PLS. The SiO<sub>2</sub> matrix was capable of inhibiting the coarsening of ZrO<sub>2</sub> nanograins by acting as a diffusion barrier. These findings reveal the dual effects of amorphous SiO<sub>2</sub> during PLS and provide guidance for the fabrication of dense NCCs with minimal grain coarsening.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100889"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100888
Mona Yarahmadi , Junhui Zhang , Laia Ortiz-Membrado , Marc Serra , Laura Cabezas , Joan Josep Roa , Luis Llanes , Gemma Fargas
This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural properties of yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics with varying Y2O3 content (3–5 mol. %) fabricated via Direct Ink Writing (DIW) and and compared with those produced by Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP). XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy analyses confirmed that increasing Y2O3 content promotes higher cubic phase fractions and grain coarsening, which enhances hardness but reduces indentation fracture toughness. Despite achieving near-theoretical densities (∼95 %), the DIW specimens exhibited lower mechanical performance due to processing-induced porosity and interlayer flaws. For the same 3Y-ZrO2 composition, the flexural strength decreased substantially—from ∼800 MPa in CIP-processed samples to ∼500 MPa in DIW-processed ones—due to defects introduced during the DIW process. These results underscore the crucial role of microstructure and defect control in enhancing the performance of additively manufactured zirconia for structural applications.
{"title":"Mechanical performance and microstructural evolution of yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics processed via direct ink writing","authors":"Mona Yarahmadi , Junhui Zhang , Laia Ortiz-Membrado , Marc Serra , Laura Cabezas , Joan Josep Roa , Luis Llanes , Gemma Fargas","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural properties of yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics with varying Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> content (3–5 mol. %) fabricated via Direct Ink Writing (DIW) and and compared with those produced by Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP). XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy analyses confirmed that increasing Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> content promotes higher cubic phase fractions and grain coarsening, which enhances hardness but reduces indentation fracture toughness. Despite achieving near-theoretical densities (∼95 %), the DIW specimens exhibited lower mechanical performance due to processing-induced porosity and interlayer flaws. For the same 3Y-ZrO<sub>2</sub> composition, the flexural strength decreased substantially—from ∼800 MPa in CIP-processed samples to ∼500 MPa in DIW-processed ones—due to defects introduced during the DIW process. These results underscore the crucial role of microstructure and defect control in enhancing the performance of additively manufactured zirconia for structural applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100888"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100887
Aiswarya Anil , Raghukiran Nadimpalli
This work demonstrates the additive manufacturing of 3Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia (3YSZ) via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and subsequent sintering at 1475 °C. The influence of infill geometry and density on dielectric, mechanical, thermal, and microstructural behaviour was systematically studied. SEM confirmed uniform grain growth and phase distribution. Density and porosity data further validated the influence of design and sintering on final part quality. Thermal expansion analysis indicated structural stability at elevated temperatures. Flexural strength peaked at 187.5 MPa with 75 % honeycomb infill, decreasing to 48.75 MPa at 50 %, reflecting the role of internal architecture in mechanical performance. A high dielectric constant (ε ≈ 35) was observed for 100 % line infill, while gyroid and honeycomb architectures showed significantly reduced values (ε ≈ 2–9.15), revealing strong geometry-dependent dielectric transparency. The absence of cracks in sintered parts highlights the effectiveness of the thermal strategy. These findings establish FDM-processed YSZ as a tunable, high-performance ceramic for advanced structural and electronic applications.
{"title":"Transforming FDM into a high-performance tool for multifunctional ceramic 3YSZ fabrication","authors":"Aiswarya Anil , Raghukiran Nadimpalli","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100887","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100887","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work demonstrates the additive manufacturing of 3Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia (3YSZ) via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and subsequent sintering at 1475 °C. The influence of infill geometry and density on dielectric, mechanical, thermal, and microstructural behaviour was systematically studied. SEM confirmed uniform grain growth and phase distribution. Density and porosity data further validated the influence of design and sintering on final part quality. Thermal expansion analysis indicated structural stability at elevated temperatures. Flexural strength peaked at 187.5 MPa with 75 % honeycomb infill, decreasing to 48.75 MPa at 50 %, reflecting the role of internal architecture in mechanical performance. A high dielectric constant (ε ≈ 35) was observed for 100 % line infill, while gyroid and honeycomb architectures showed significantly reduced values (ε ≈ 2–9.15), revealing strong geometry-dependent dielectric transparency. The absence of cracks in sintered parts highlights the effectiveness of the thermal strategy. These findings establish FDM-processed YSZ as a tunable, high-performance ceramic for advanced structural and electronic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100887"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100886
Monica Ferraris , Stefano De la Pierre , Valentina Casalegno , Rik-Wouter Bosch , James Marrow , Yang Chen , Frédérique Bourlet , Christophe Lorrette , Shuigen Huang , Konstantina Lambrinou
Silicon carbide fiber-reinforced composites (SiC/SiC) are leading candidates to replace zirconium-based alloys as cladding in light water reactors (LWR), owing to their exceptional oxidation resistance and mechanical performance under accident conditions.
However, pressure-less joining methods compatible with the extreme chemical and thermal environment of LWRs remain a major technological hurdle.
This work evaluates two promising joining materials—Mo-wrap (a MoSi₂/Si composite) and SAY (a silica–alumina–yttria glass-ceramic)—under simulated LWR conditions.
Joining was performed using both conventional furnaces and laser-assisted techniques.
Joint integrity and microstructure were assessed by SEM/EDS and X-ray computed tomography. Hydrothermal stability was evaluated in static and flowing-water (loop) autoclaves up to 30 days at 330 °C and 150–155 bar.
Mo-wrap joints showed partial degradation due to silicon dissolution, while SAY joints retained good structural integrity in static tests but suffered phase-selective corrosion under flowing conditions, with keivite emerging as the most stable crystalline phase.
Laser-processed amorphous SAY joints exhibited improved corrosion resistance, though still limited under prolonged exposure.
These findings advance the understanding of joining performance in nuclear-relevant environments and support the development of accident-tolerant fuel cladding.
碳化硅纤维增强复合材料（SiC/SiC）由于其优异的抗氧化性能和事故条件下的机械性能，成为取代锆基合金作为轻水反应堆（LWR）包层的首选材料。然而，与轻水堆极端化学和热环境相适应的无压力连接方法仍然是一个主要的技术障碍。本研究在模拟LWR条件下评估了两种有前途的连接材料- mo -wrap （MoSi₂/Si复合材料）和SAY（硅-氧化铝-钇玻璃陶瓷）。采用传统炉和激光辅助技术进行连接。通过扫描电镜/能谱仪和x射线计算机断层扫描评估关节的完整性和微观结构。在静态和流动水（循环）高压灭菌器中，在330°C和150-155 bar下，热液稳定性进行了长达30天的评估。Mo-wrap接头由于硅溶解而出现部分退化，而SAY接头在静态测试中保持了良好的结构完整性，但在流动条件下发生了相选择腐蚀，其中钾辉石是最稳定的晶相。激光加工的非晶SAY接头表现出更好的耐腐蚀性，但在长时间暴露下仍然有限。这些发现促进了对核相关环境中连接性能的理解，并支持了耐事故燃料包壳的开发。
{"title":"Pressure-less joining materials for SiC-based components for light water reactors","authors":"Monica Ferraris , Stefano De la Pierre , Valentina Casalegno , Rik-Wouter Bosch , James Marrow , Yang Chen , Frédérique Bourlet , Christophe Lorrette , Shuigen Huang , Konstantina Lambrinou","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100886","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100886","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Silicon carbide fiber-reinforced composites (SiC/SiC) are leading candidates to replace zirconium-based alloys as cladding in light water reactors (LWR), owing to their exceptional oxidation resistance and mechanical performance under accident conditions.</div><div>However, pressure-less joining methods compatible with the extreme chemical and thermal environment of LWRs remain a major technological hurdle.</div><div>This work evaluates two promising joining materials—Mo-wrap (a MoSi₂/Si composite) and SAY (a silica–alumina–yttria glass-ceramic)—under simulated LWR conditions.</div><div>Joining was performed using both conventional furnaces and laser-assisted techniques.</div><div>Joint integrity and microstructure were assessed by SEM/EDS and X-ray computed tomography. Hydrothermal stability was evaluated in static and flowing-water (loop) autoclaves up to 30 days at 330 °C and 150–155 bar.</div><div>Mo-wrap joints showed partial degradation due to silicon dissolution, while SAY joints retained good structural integrity in static tests but suffered phase-selective corrosion under flowing conditions, with keivite emerging as the most stable crystalline phase.</div><div>Laser-processed amorphous SAY joints exhibited improved corrosion resistance, though still limited under prolonged exposure.</div><div>These findings advance the understanding of joining performance in nuclear-relevant environments and support the development of accident-tolerant fuel cladding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100886"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100884
Francesco Lanero , Giulia Tameni , Eleonora Russo, Paolo Sgarbossa, Enrico Bernardo
As a solution to clean water scarcity, it is essential to develop new inexpensive and eco-friendly materials for wastewater treatment, since conventional methods are often energy-intensive, dependent on non-renewable and, in general, unsuitable for large-scale and sustainable applications. In this work, the preparation of magnetic foams via mild alkali activation (KOH, 3 M) process for water purification is reported. The process uses Mt. Etna volcanic ash and unemployed fraction of soda-lime glass obtained from purification of glass containers. Magnetic properties were imparted by the introduction of silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles at 5 % (m/m) and 10 % (m/m). The large surface area of the resulting foams makes them highly promising as adsorbent for dye removal. Additionally, the natural presence of TiO2 and Fe2O3 in the volcanic ash contributes to photocatalytic activity. Both adsorption and photocatalytic performance were evaluated using methylene blue aqueous solution (10 mg/L) as model dye. An increased removal efficiency was observed following the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles, reaching up to 96 %. These results highlight the potential of converting industrial and natural waste into functional materials for sustainable wastewater treatment applications.
{"title":"Magnetic alkali-activated foams from soda-lime glass and volcanic ash enabling efficient synergistic dye removal","authors":"Francesco Lanero , Giulia Tameni , Eleonora Russo, Paolo Sgarbossa, Enrico Bernardo","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100884","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100884","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a solution to clean water scarcity, it is essential to develop new inexpensive and eco-friendly materials for wastewater treatment, since conventional methods are often energy-intensive, dependent on non-renewable and, in general, unsuitable for large-scale and sustainable applications. In this work, the preparation of magnetic foams via mild alkali activation (KOH, 3 M) process for water purification is reported. The process uses Mt. Etna volcanic ash and unemployed fraction of soda-lime glass obtained from purification of glass containers. Magnetic properties were imparted by the introduction of silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles at 5 % (m/m) and 10 % (m/m). The large surface area of the resulting foams makes them highly promising as adsorbent for dye removal. Additionally, the natural presence of TiO<sub>2</sub> and Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> in the volcanic ash contributes to photocatalytic activity. Both adsorption and photocatalytic performance were evaluated using methylene blue aqueous solution (10 mg/L) as model dye. An increased removal efficiency was observed following the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles, reaching up to 96 %. These results highlight the potential of converting industrial and natural waste into functional materials for sustainable wastewater treatment applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100884"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100885
Arash Vaghef-Koodehi, Yaser Bahari
The next generation of spacecraft and military vehicles requires smart protective coatings that can automatically repair radiation damage while maintaining peak performance under extreme conditions. We have developed an innovative three-layer material system that combines titanium carbide nanoparticles (2–8 nanometers), ultra-thin graphene sheets, and microscopic gold particles (10–20 nanometers) embedded in a flexible polymer matrix. This advanced coating can heal itself with remarkable efficiency—recovering 94.6 % of its original strength within just 18 h after radiation exposure. Our research used powerful computer simulations to design the optimal arrangement of these components at the atomic level. We discovered that spacing the titanium carbide particles exactly 3.2 angstroms from the graphene creates pathways for damaged atoms to migrate and repair themselves, requiring only moderate heating (activation energy of 0.35 electron volts). The gold nanoparticles act as both damage sensors and localized heaters, amplifying electromagnetic fields by over 2000 times to enable real-time monitoring and precisely controlled healing. Large-scale molecular modeling of 3.2 million atoms confirmed that our material maintains excellent mechanical properties—comparable to aerospace-grade materials—while remaining flexible enough to bend around tight curves (1.2 mm radius). Comprehensive radiation testing simulations predict the coating will retain over 95 % of its protective capabilities after 8000 h of exposure across three demanding environments: deep space missions (-200 °C to +180 °C temperature swings), ballistic impact scenarios, and nuclear facilities (intense neutron bombardment). Initial laboratory experiments have validated our theoretical predictions, demonstrating 91 % healing efficiency and repair times under 20 h. This breakthrough establishes a new class of autonomous protective materials that could revolutionize how we design systems for extreme environments, from Mars exploration vehicles to nuclear reactor components.
{"title":"Self-healing and optical damage sensing in quantum-architected MXene–graphene–gold nanocomposite coatings","authors":"Arash Vaghef-Koodehi, Yaser Bahari","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100885","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100885","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The next generation of spacecraft and military vehicles requires smart protective coatings that can automatically repair radiation damage while maintaining peak performance under extreme conditions. We have developed an innovative three-layer material system that combines titanium carbide nanoparticles (2–8 nanometers), ultra-thin graphene sheets, and microscopic gold particles (10–20 nanometers) embedded in a flexible polymer matrix. This advanced coating can heal itself with remarkable efficiency—recovering 94.6 % of its original strength within just 18 h after radiation exposure. Our research used powerful computer simulations to design the optimal arrangement of these components at the atomic level. We discovered that spacing the titanium carbide particles exactly 3.2 angstroms from the graphene creates pathways for damaged atoms to migrate and repair themselves, requiring only moderate heating (activation energy of 0.35 electron volts). The gold nanoparticles act as both damage sensors and localized heaters, amplifying electromagnetic fields by over 2000 times to enable real-time monitoring and precisely controlled healing. Large-scale molecular modeling of 3.2 million atoms confirmed that our material maintains excellent mechanical properties—comparable to aerospace-grade materials—while remaining flexible enough to bend around tight curves (1.2 mm radius). Comprehensive radiation testing simulations predict the coating will retain over 95 % of its protective capabilities after 8000 h of exposure across three demanding environments: deep space missions (-200 °C to +180 °C temperature swings), ballistic impact scenarios, and nuclear facilities (intense neutron bombardment). Initial laboratory experiments have validated our theoretical predictions, demonstrating 91 % healing efficiency and repair times under 20 h. This breakthrough establishes a new class of autonomous protective materials that could revolutionize how we design systems for extreme environments, from Mars exploration vehicles to nuclear reactor components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100885"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145555105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HASClay, a porous material designed for heat storage and dissipation, efficiently utilizes low-temperature waste heat below 100 °C. In this study, its internal density structure and moisture adsorption–desorption behavior were investigated using synchrotron radiation–based X-ray computed tomography (CT). X-ray CT analysis revealed distinct high- and low-density regions within HASClay, with the density of both regions increasing as moisture content increased due to water vapor adsorption. In addition, the morphology and distribution of these regions varied depending on the product associated with the temperature during synthesis. Because high-density regions adsorb moisture more efficiently than low-density regions, it was suggested that a key design strategy for improving HASClay is to increase the proportion of high-density regions. Furthermore, HASClay samples subjected to repeated moisture adsorption–desorption cycles exhibited reduced moisture desorption capacity compared with fresh samples. These findings demonstrate that X-ray CT is an effective technique to reveal the water vapor adsorption and desorption process of HASClay based on changes in the internal density distribution.
{"title":"Synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography analysis of the internal structure and moisture adsorption–desorption behavior of the heat storage and dissipation material HASClay®","authors":"Satomi Fujisaki , Rimpei Shibata , Souta Arakawa , Yuichi Kouno , Goh Mitoya , Hidetaka Miyahara , Kazuko Manpuku , Masaya Suzuki , Moe Tanuma , Hidehiro Sekimoto , Akio Yoneyama , Masakazu Yoshioka , Ichiro Hirosawa , Noriyuki Yoshimoto","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100882","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100882","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>HASClay, a porous material designed for heat storage and dissipation, efficiently utilizes low-temperature waste heat below 100 °C. In this study, its internal density structure and moisture adsorption–desorption behavior were investigated using synchrotron radiation–based X-ray computed tomography (CT). X-ray CT analysis revealed distinct high- and low-density regions within HASClay, with the density of both regions increasing as moisture content increased due to water vapor adsorption. In addition, the morphology and distribution of these regions varied depending on the product associated with the temperature during synthesis. Because high-density regions adsorb moisture more efficiently than low-density regions, it was suggested that a key design strategy for improving HASClay is to increase the proportion of high-density regions. Furthermore, HASClay samples subjected to repeated moisture adsorption–desorption cycles exhibited reduced moisture desorption capacity compared with fresh samples. These findings demonstrate that X-ray CT is an effective technique to reveal the water vapor adsorption and desorption process of HASClay based on changes in the internal density distribution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100882"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100883
Xuefeng Lu , Mengfei Zhang , Wenxin Rao , Cheng Liu , Yue He
Carbon fiber paper is a key electrode material, but its production often uses harmful solvents. This study presents an eco-friendly alternative employing water-soluble phenolic resin (WPF) and optimizes the critical hot-pressing process. The effects of temperature and pressure on the material's structure and properties were systematically investigated. The graphitization degree, electrical conductivity, and compressive strength all showed a distinct non-linear relationship with the parameters, characterized by an initial decrease followed by an increase… An optimal temperature of 140 °C yielded a sample with 61.04 % graphitization, 6.38 mΩ·cm² resistivity, and 1.65 MPa compressive strength. Similarly, an optimal pressure of 8 MPa produced a sample with 57.47 % graphitization and 7.64 mΩ·cm² resistivity, while air permeability exhibited an inverse trend. This work demonstrates that hot-pressing optimization is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the performance of eco-friendly carbon paper, providing valuable insights for industrial application.
{"title":"Effect of hot pressing parameters on the structure and properties of water-soluble phenolic based carbon fiber paper","authors":"Xuefeng Lu , Mengfei Zhang , Wenxin Rao , Cheng Liu , Yue He","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100883","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2025.100883","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon fiber paper is a key electrode material, but its production often uses harmful solvents. This study presents an eco-friendly alternative employing water-soluble phenolic resin (WPF) and optimizes the critical hot-pressing process. The effects of temperature and pressure on the material's structure and properties were systematically investigated. The graphitization degree, electrical conductivity, and compressive strength all showed a distinct non-linear relationship with the parameters, characterized by an initial decrease followed by an increase… An optimal temperature of 140 °C yielded a sample with 61.04 % graphitization, 6.38 mΩ·cm² resistivity, and 1.65 MPa compressive strength. Similarly, an optimal pressure of 8 MPa produced a sample with 57.47 % graphitization and 7.64 mΩ·cm² resistivity, while air permeability exhibited an inverse trend. This work demonstrates that hot-pressing optimization is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the performance of eco-friendly carbon paper, providing valuable insights for industrial application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100883"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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