Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100913
Pedr Charlesworth, Robert A. House, Peixi Cong, Robert S. Weatherup, David E.J. Armstrong, Chris Grovenor
Octalithium ceramics (Li8MO6, M = Zr, Pb, Ce, Sn) are highly lithium dense compounds that have been modelled to offer significantly higher tritium breeding ratios (TBRs) compared to the current candidate breeder materials [1]. This investigation demonstrates and investigates a solid-state synthesis route and the importance of atmosphere for the formation of phase pure ceramics of all four compounds. All tested octalithium compounds showed higher coefficients of lattice thermal expansion (CTEs) from 25 - 900°C compared to Li2TiO3 [2], and the measured melting points were Li8SnO6 1238 ±7°C, Li8CeO6 1112 ±6°C, Li8PbO6 1011 ±3°C and Li8ZrO6 1266 ±5°C. The compounds all formed Li2CO3 after long air exposures and Li8SnO6, Li8PbO6 and Li8ZrO6 also produced lower lithium stoichiometry phases (Li2SnO3, Li4PbO4, Li2PbO3 and Li6Zr2O7). Li8CeO6 displayed no crystalline impurities after 20 hours but after one month had decomposed wholly to Li2CO3, CeO2 and Li2O.
{"title":"Investigating the synthesis, reaction pathways, melting points and air sensitivity of Octalithium ceramics, Li8MO6, with M = Sn, Zr, Pb, and Ce","authors":"Pedr Charlesworth, Robert A. House, Peixi Cong, Robert S. Weatherup, David E.J. Armstrong, Chris Grovenor","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100913","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100913","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Octalithium ceramics (Li<sub>8</sub>MO<sub>6</sub>, M = Zr, Pb, Ce, Sn) are highly lithium dense compounds that have been modelled to offer significantly higher tritium breeding ratios (TBRs) compared to the current candidate breeder materials [<span><span>1</span></span>]. This investigation demonstrates and investigates a solid-state synthesis route and the importance of atmosphere for the formation of phase pure ceramics of all four compounds. All tested octalithium compounds showed higher coefficients of lattice thermal expansion (CTEs) from 25 - 900°C compared to Li<sub>2</sub>TiO<sub>3</sub> [<span><span>2</span></span>], and the measured melting points were Li<sub>8</sub>SnO<sub>6</sub> 1238 <em>±</em>7°C, Li<sub>8</sub>CeO<sub>6</sub> 1112 <em>±</em>6°C, Li<sub>8</sub>PbO<sub>6</sub> 1011 <em>±</em>3°C and Li<sub>8</sub>ZrO<sub>6</sub> 1266 <em>±</em>5°C. The compounds all formed Li<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> after long air exposures and Li<sub>8</sub>SnO<sub>6</sub>, Li<sub>8</sub>PbO<sub>6</sub> and Li<sub>8</sub>ZrO<sub>6</sub> also produced lower lithium stoichiometry phases (Li<sub>2</sub>SnO<sub>3</sub>, Li<sub>4</sub>PbO<sub>4</sub>, Li<sub>2</sub>PbO<sub>3</sub> and Li<sub>6</sub>Zr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>). Li<sub>8</sub>CeO<sub>6</sub> displayed no crystalline impurities after 20 hours but after one month had decomposed wholly to Li<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>, CeO<sub>2</sub> and Li<sub>2</sub>O.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100913"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022370","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100918
Sang-Min Hong , Jong-Won Kim , Ha-Jin Gu , Young-Jae Kim , Ah-Hyeon Park , Yong-Hyouk Kim , Sangbae Choi , Eun-Hee Kim , Sang-Chae Jeon
Silica is an essential component for improving the workability and fluidity of calcium aluminate cement (CAC). Therefore, phase and volume changes have been measured as a function of silica content and temperature, and investigated the resulting mechanical stability. XRD measurements of specimens containing 0.26-4.0 wt.% SiO2 sintered at 1500 °C showed that the CA6 fraction increased from 9.8 to 28.6 wt. % with increasing SiO2. Phase fraction and three-point flexural strength were further evaluated after three thermal cycles at 1500 °C. The 2.0 wt.% SiO2 composition exhibited the highest initial strength but experienced significant degradation after cycling. In contrast, the 4.0 wt.% SiO2 specimen demonstrated improved strength after cycling due to enhanced CA6 formation. The CA6 phase impeded crack propagation through deflection and bridging, while SiO2-induced liquid phases facilitated densification. These results demonstrate that adjusting the SiO2 content is an effective approach to improve the long-term thermal stability of CAC-based refractories.
{"title":"Influence of SiO2 content on the CA2–CA6 transformation and mechanical behavior of calcium aluminate cement","authors":"Sang-Min Hong , Jong-Won Kim , Ha-Jin Gu , Young-Jae Kim , Ah-Hyeon Park , Yong-Hyouk Kim , Sangbae Choi , Eun-Hee Kim , Sang-Chae Jeon","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100918","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100918","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Silica is an essential component for improving the workability and fluidity of calcium aluminate cement (CAC). Therefore, phase and volume changes have been measured as a function of silica content and temperature, and investigated the resulting mechanical stability. XRD measurements of specimens containing 0.26-4.0 wt.% SiO<sub>2</sub> sintered at 1500 °C showed that the CA<sub>6</sub> fraction increased from 9.8 to 28.6 wt. % with increasing SiO<sub>2</sub>. Phase fraction and three-point flexural strength were further evaluated after three thermal cycles at 1500 °C. The 2.0 wt.% SiO<sub>2</sub> composition exhibited the highest initial strength but experienced significant degradation after cycling. In contrast, the 4.0 wt.% SiO<sub>2</sub> specimen demonstrated improved strength after cycling due to enhanced CA<sub>6</sub> formation. The CA<sub>6</sub> phase impeded crack propagation through deflection and bridging, while SiO<sub>2</sub>-induced liquid phases facilitated densification. These results demonstrate that adjusting the SiO<sub>2</sub> content is an effective approach to improve the long-term thermal stability of CAC-based refractories.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100918"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172860","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 : 2026-03-01Epub 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":"2026-03-01","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100920
David Markusík , Patrik Sokola , Vlastimil Bílek Jr.
This study investigates the effects of activator type and concentration, namely sodium and potassium hydroxides, carbonates, and silicates, on the rheological behaviour of alkali activated slag pastes. Oscillation amplitude sweep tests in both strain- and stress-controlled modes were conducted to evaluate key parameters such as yield point and break point. Increasing activator concentration generally improved workability up to a threshold between 5 and 7.5 M, beyond which rheological properties deteriorated due to changes in microstructure and viscosity. This threshold was less pronounced for KOH and K2CO3. Alkali silicates exhibited the strongest plasticizing effect and, uniquely, shifted the viscoelastic nature of the pastes from solid-like to liquid-like (significantly increased loss factor). Complementary mini-slump and zeta potential tests supported the oscillatory findings and revealed limitations at extreme concentrations. The results highlight the distinct impacts of different combinations of Na+ and K+ cations and various anions on the rheology of alkali-activated slag pastes.
{"title":"Mapping the effects of activator type and molarity on the rheology of alkali-activated slag using oscillation amplitude testing","authors":"David Markusík , Patrik Sokola , Vlastimil Bílek Jr.","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100920","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100920","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the effects of activator type and concentration, namely sodium and potassium hydroxides, carbonates, and silicates, on the rheological behaviour of alkali activated slag pastes. Oscillation amplitude sweep tests in both strain- and stress-controlled modes were conducted to evaluate key parameters such as yield point and break point. Increasing activator concentration generally improved workability up to a threshold between 5 and 7.5 M, beyond which rheological properties deteriorated due to changes in microstructure and viscosity. This threshold was less pronounced for KOH and K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>. Alkali silicates exhibited the strongest plasticizing effect and, uniquely, shifted the viscoelastic nature of the pastes from solid-like to liquid-like (significantly increased loss factor). Complementary mini-slump and zeta potential tests supported the oscillatory findings and revealed limitations at extreme concentrations. The results highlight the distinct impacts of different combinations of Na<sup>+</sup> and K<sup>+</sup> cations and various anions on the rheology of alkali-activated slag pastes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100920"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173386","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}
Ordered porous β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramics were fabricated by a replica method using polymer templates each having a diamond lattice, designed with a three-dimensional computer-aided design system. A β-TCP slurry was spray-coated onto these templates and subsequently sintered under optimal conditions determined on the basis of thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis data. This process allowed accurate transfer of the lattice architecture despite a shrinkage of approximately 65 %. Systematic variations of the lattice geometry and coating amount enabled tuning of the porosity, pore size and strut diameter of the ceramic, and compressive testing confirmed the effects of these parameters on the mechanical strength. Structures with interconnected pores having sizes of several hundred micrometers that were well-suited to bone tissue engineering were obtained. X-ray diffraction assessments showed the partial transformation of the β-TCP to an apatite-structured phase during firing while X-ray computed tomography established that prolonged sintering produced hollow struts that provided additional internal space. The replica method combined with specially designed templates was found to be an effective approach to the integrated design of pore architectures that provided suitable mechanical properties and internal space in ordered porous β-TCP scaffolds.
{"title":"Fabricating ordered porous β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics having specific structure via the replica method using 3D-CAD-designed polymeric templates","authors":"Kazuaki Hashimoto , Nona Ohtsuki , Kakeru Tsuchiya , Kosuke Nozaki , Kimihiro Yamashita , Hirobumi Shibata","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100928","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100928","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ordered porous β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramics were fabricated by a replica method using polymer templates each having a diamond lattice, designed with a three-dimensional computer-aided design system. A β-TCP slurry was spray-coated onto these templates and subsequently sintered under optimal conditions determined on the basis of thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis data. This process allowed accurate transfer of the lattice architecture despite a shrinkage of approximately 65 %. Systematic variations of the lattice geometry and coating amount enabled tuning of the porosity, pore size and strut diameter of the ceramic, and compressive testing confirmed the effects of these parameters on the mechanical strength. Structures with interconnected pores having sizes of several hundred micrometers that were well-suited to bone tissue engineering were obtained. X-ray diffraction assessments showed the partial transformation of the β-TCP to an apatite-structured phase during firing while X-ray computed tomography established that prolonged sintering produced hollow struts that provided additional internal space. The replica method combined with specially designed templates was found to be an effective approach to the integrated design of pore architectures that provided suitable mechanical properties and internal space in ordered porous β-TCP scaffolds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100928"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395372","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}
The study investigates the effect of laser fluence and normalized pulse spacing at two different focal distances of 70 mm and 100 mm on the green femtosecond ablation of Si₃N₄, focusing on removal threshold and the morphology of the ablated craters. As the fluence increases, the ablation depth reaches a plateau. A considerable difference in ablation depth was observed for both focal lengths in the fluence range of 20 to 40 J/cm² compared to values above 40 J/cm². Surface ablation tests with varying normalized pulse spacings were conducted based on the results of the single-point experiments, showing that higher material removal was achieved at greater pulse overlaps when using high laser fluence. However, at low laser fluence, the difference in material removal was less pronounced. Additionally, the surface quality at different laser fluences and pulse spacings was compared, indicating considerably improved quality at higher pulse spacings and lower laser fluences.
{"title":"Investigation of green femtosecond laser ablation of silicon nitride for different laser fluences and pulse spacing","authors":"Esmaeil Ghadiri Zahrani , AmirMohammad Fakharzadeh Jahromi , Bahman Azarhoushang","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study investigates the effect of laser fluence and normalized pulse spacing at two different focal distances of 70 mm and 100 mm on the green femtosecond ablation of Si₃N₄, focusing on removal threshold and the morphology of the ablated craters. As the fluence increases, the ablation depth reaches a plateau. A considerable difference in ablation depth was observed for both focal lengths in the fluence range of 20 to 40 J/cm² compared to values above 40 J/cm². Surface ablation tests with varying normalized pulse spacings were conducted based on the results of the single-point experiments, showing that higher material removal was achieved at greater pulse overlaps when using high laser fluence. However, at low laser fluence, the difference in material removal was less pronounced. Additionally, the surface quality at different laser fluences and pulse spacings was compared, indicating considerably improved quality at higher pulse spacings and lower laser fluences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100909"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022308","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 : 2026-03-01Epub 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":"2026-03-01","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}
Ceramic-based photocatalysts are attracting growing attention for sustainable water treatment, owing to their mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and suitability for immobilized operation. This study introduces a green synthesis approach for fabricating alumina-kaolin ceramic pellets as robust photocatalyst supports. TiO2 nanoparticles were subsequently immobilized via dip-coating to form TiO2@alumina–kaolin composites. Structural characterization revealed a defect-free microstructure with strong necking between alumina and kaolin grains, providing high mechanical integrity and surface accessibility. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated in a fixed-bed photoreactor using mixed organic dyes (Methylene-blue and Rhodamine-B) as model pollutants. The system followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with rate constants of 0.0068 and 0.0019 min-1, respectively. Operational parameters including dye concentration, pH, contact time, and photocatalyst loading were optimized through response surface methodology. The pellets retained over 85 % of activity after five reuse cycles, confirming high durability and recyclability. This solid-casting approach provides a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally benign route for immobilizing photocatalysts on ceramic supports.
{"title":"Bridging ceramic engineering and photocatalysis for sustainable water treatment through green solid-casting of TiO2 on alumina-kaolin pellets","authors":"Zeinab Mahdigholian , Mohammad-Hossein Sarrafzadeh , Ali-Mohammad Hadian , Masood Rezaei-Dashtarzhandi , Seyed-Behnam Ghaffari","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100923","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100923","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ceramic-based photocatalysts are attracting growing attention for sustainable water treatment, owing to their mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and suitability for immobilized operation. This study introduces a green synthesis approach for fabricating alumina-kaolin ceramic pellets as robust photocatalyst supports. TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles were subsequently immobilized via dip-coating to form TiO<sub>2</sub>@alumina–kaolin composites. Structural characterization revealed a defect-free microstructure with strong necking between alumina and kaolin grains, providing high mechanical integrity and surface accessibility. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated in a fixed-bed photoreactor using mixed organic dyes (Methylene-blue and Rhodamine-B) as model pollutants. The system followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with rate constants of 0.0068 and 0.0019 min<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Operational parameters including dye concentration, pH, contact time, and photocatalyst loading were optimized through response surface methodology. The pellets retained over 85 % of activity after five reuse cycles, confirming high durability and recyclability. This solid-casting approach provides a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally benign route for immobilizing photocatalysts on ceramic supports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100923"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395373","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}
Nowadays, concepts such as recycling, reusing, and sustainability are gaining ground in a wide range of fields and sectors, including manufacturing. This paradigm shift from “produce-dispose” to “produce-reuse” is pushing manufacturers and producers to move from a linear economy to a circular one. This change in perspective seems more readily applicable to the world of additive manufacturing, as it offers the potential not only to reduce waste generation, but also to reintroduce discarded and recycled materials into the production chain. This implementation of a circular manufacturing approach could be applied to ceramic additive manufacturing. Is it a straightforward process to implement a circular solution into the production chain? Which are the implications for costs, energy requirements, emissions, and waste management? This open discussion aims to identify potential starting points and gaps for further evaluation of future application of circular economy concepts in the ceramic industry.
{"title":"Exploring circularity in ceramic 3D printing: Possibilities and implementation","authors":"Matilde Aronne , Eric Schwarzer-Fischer , Valentina Bertana , Giulia Mossotti , Uwe Scheithauer , Sergio Ferrero , Luciano Scaltrito","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nowadays, concepts such as recycling, reusing, and sustainability are gaining ground in a wide range of fields and sectors, including manufacturing. This paradigm shift from “produce-dispose” to “produce-reuse” is pushing manufacturers and producers to move from a linear economy to a circular one. This change in perspective seems more readily applicable to the world of additive manufacturing, as it offers the potential not only to reduce waste generation, but also to reintroduce discarded and recycled materials into the production chain. This implementation of a circular manufacturing approach could be applied to ceramic additive manufacturing. Is it a straightforward process to implement a circular solution into the production chain? Which are the implications for costs, energy requirements, emissions, and waste management? This open discussion aims to identify potential starting points and gaps for further evaluation of future application of circular economy concepts in the ceramic industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100915"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076841","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100914
Tim Opatz , Maximilian Staudacher , Maximilian Munz , Tanja Lube , Steffen Ihlenfeldt
Reliable lifetime prediction of ceramic components requires fracture toughness measurements supported by sharp, reproducible artificial defects. Conventional notching techniques often lack consistency, are time-consuming, and are particularly limited for fine-grained ceramics and geometrically complex specimens. This study investigates a modified femtosecond-laser vaporization approach that targets an ablation area rather than a single line. To efficiently explore the complex, material-dependent parameter space, Bayesian optimization was employed for zirconia and both conventionally and additively manufactured alumina. The method rapidly identified suitable parameters for zirconia, achieving sharp, smooth notches within only a few experimental iterations. In contrast, alumina exhibited unsuitable fracture behavior, with failure initiating at notch flanks rather than roots. Overall, laser notching demonstrated clear advantages in speed, reproducibility and geometric flexibility, including applicability to complex designs such as the CharAM specimen. Further research is required to ensure consistent root-initiated fracture and to expand understanding across a wider range of materials.
{"title":"Bayesian optimization of laser-aided fracture toughness specimen preparation","authors":"Tim Opatz , Maximilian Staudacher , Maximilian Munz , Tanja Lube , Steffen Ihlenfeldt","doi":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100914","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oceram.2026.100914","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reliable lifetime prediction of ceramic components requires fracture toughness measurements supported by sharp, reproducible artificial defects. Conventional notching techniques often lack consistency, are time-consuming, and are particularly limited for fine-grained ceramics and geometrically complex specimens. This study investigates a modified femtosecond-laser vaporization approach that targets an ablation area rather than a single line. To efficiently explore the complex, material-dependent parameter space, Bayesian optimization was employed for zirconia and both conventionally and additively manufactured alumina. The method rapidly identified suitable parameters for zirconia, achieving sharp, smooth notches within only a few experimental iterations. In contrast, alumina exhibited unsuitable fracture behavior, with failure initiating at notch flanks rather than roots. Overall, laser notching demonstrated clear advantages in speed, reproducibility and geometric flexibility, including applicability to complex designs such as the CharAM specimen. Further research is required to ensure consistent root-initiated fracture and to expand understanding across a wider range of materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34140,"journal":{"name":"Open Ceramics","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100914"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076842","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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