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Ceramics, Volume 8, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 13 articles

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23 pages, 4707 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Novel Hybrid Al-SiC-ZrO2 Composites via Powder Metallurgy Route and Intelligent Modeling for Their Microhardness
by Pallab Sarmah, Shailendra Pawanr and Kapil Gupta
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030091 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 31
Abstract
In this work, the development of Al-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) is achieved using hybrid SiC and ZrO2 reinforcement particles for automotive applications. Powder metallurgy (PM) is employed with various combinations of important process parameters for the fabrication of MMCs. MMCs were [...] Read more.
In this work, the development of Al-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) is achieved using hybrid SiC and ZrO2 reinforcement particles for automotive applications. Powder metallurgy (PM) is employed with various combinations of important process parameters for the fabrication of MMCs. MMCs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and a microhardness study. All XRD graphs adequately exhibit Al, SiC, and ZrO2 peaks, indicating that the hybrid MMC products were satisfactorily fabricated with appropriate mixing and sintering at all the considered fabrication conditions. Also, no impurity peaks were observed, confirming high composite purity. MMC products in all the XRD patterns, suitable for the desired applications. According to the SEM investigation, SiC and ZrO2 reinforcement components are uniformly scattered throughout Al matrix in all produced MMC products. The occurrence of Al, Si, C, Zr, and O in EDS spectra demonstrates the effectiveness of composite ball milling and sintering under all manufacturing conditions. Moreover, an increase in interfacial bonding of fabricated composites at a higher sintering temperature indicated improved physical properties of the developed MMCs. The highest microhardness value is 86.6 HVN amid all the fabricated composites at 7% silica, 14% zirconium dioxide, 500° sintering temperature, 90 min sintering time, and 60 min milling time. An integrated Particle Swarm Optimization–Support Vector Machine (PSO-SVM) model was developed to predict microhardness based on the input parameters. The model demonstrated strong predictive performance, as evidenced by low values of various statistical metrics for both training and testing datasets, highlighting the PSO-SVM model’s robustness and generalization capability. Specifically, the model achieved a coefficient of determination of 0.995 and a root mean square error of 0.920 on the training set, while on the testing set, it attained a coefficient of determination of 0.982 and a root mean square error of 1.557. These results underscore the potential of the PSO-SVM framework, which can be effectively leveraged to optimize process parameters for achieving targeted microhardness levels for the developed Al-SiC-ZrO2 Composites. Full article
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18 pages, 7056 KiB  
Article
Control of the SiC Polytypes in SiC Bonded Diamond Materials
by Mathias Herrmann, Jesus Andres Quintana Freire, Björn Matthey, Steffen Kunze and Sören Höhn
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030090 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 105
Abstract
Silicon carbide-bonded diamond materials produced by pressureless reaction infiltration of diamond preforms have high wear resistance and thermal conductivity, making them ideal for a range of industrial applications. During infiltration, the Si is typically converted to cubic β-SiC. The aim of the work [...] Read more.
Silicon carbide-bonded diamond materials produced by pressureless reaction infiltration of diamond preforms have high wear resistance and thermal conductivity, making them ideal for a range of industrial applications. During infiltration, the Si is typically converted to cubic β-SiC. The aim of the work was to investigate the extent to which the formation of hexagonal α-SiC can be achieved by adding α-SiC or AlN nuclei to the preform. Detailed microstructural investigations using XRD, high-resolution FE-SEM, and EBSD analyses show that both AlN and SiC serve as nuclei for α-SiC. Regardless of this, a large proportion of β-SiC forms on the surface of the diamonds. However, the added nuclei change the structure of the SiC framework that forms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)
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12 pages, 7936 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of SiCw and Ni Addition on the Densification and Mechanical Properties of (M0.2Ti0.2Ta0.2V0.2Nb0.2)B2 (M=Hf, Zr, or Cr) High-Entropy Ceramics
by Hongya Wu, Jianxin Sun, Jiaqi Zhang, Junshuai Chen, Zhigang Yang, Yubo Gong, Guoqiang Qin, Gang Yu and Shengya He
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030089 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 98
Abstract
The improvement of densification and fracture toughness in high-entropy ceramics is important to realizing their practical applications. In this study, SiC whiskers and metal Ni additions were incorporated to solve these problems of high-entropy boride ceramics. The influence of sintering temperatures (1450–1650 °C) [...] Read more.
The improvement of densification and fracture toughness in high-entropy ceramics is important to realizing their practical applications. In this study, SiC whiskers and metal Ni additions were incorporated to solve these problems of high-entropy boride ceramics. The influence of sintering temperatures (1450–1650 °C) on the densification, microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness, and bending strength of (M0.2Ti0.2Ta0.2V0.2Nb0.2)B2-SiCw-Ni (M=Hf, Zr, or Cr) composites prepared by hot-pressing technology were studied. Results showed that when SiC whiskers and metal Ni additions were used as additives, increasing sintering temperatures from 1450 to 1600 °C promoted the densification of high-entropy boride ceramics. This was mainly attributed to the high sintering driving force. However, when the temperature further increased to 1650 °C, their densification behavior decreased. At a sintering temperature of 1600 °C, these high-entropy borides ceramics all had the highest densification behavior, leading to their high hardness and fracture toughness. The highest relative density was 96.3%, the highest hardness was 22.02 GPa, and the highest fracture toughness was 13.25 MPa·m1/2, which was improved by the co-function of SiC whiskers and plastic metal Ni. Meanwhile, in the adopted sintering temperature range of 1450 to 1650 °C, the highest bending strength at room temperature of these high-entropy boride ceramics could reach 320.8 MPa. Therefore, this research offers an effective densification, strengthening, and toughening method for high-entropy boride composites at a low sintering temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Reliability of Engineering Ceramics)
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10 pages, 1483 KiB  
Article
Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Properties of (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+-Doped Bismuth Sodium Titanate Ceramics
by Yonggang Zhao, Ning Yang, Yi Chen, Xingting Li, Luyao Wang, Peng Wang and Guangzhi Dong
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030088 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Lead-free (Bi1/2Na1/2)(Ti1−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)x)O3 ceramics were synthesized using the solid-phase method, and the effects of varying (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+ content, substituting for Ti4+ ions at the B-site of [...] Read more.
Lead-free (Bi1/2Na1/2)(Ti1−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)x)O3 ceramics were synthesized using the solid-phase method, and the effects of varying (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+ content, substituting for Ti4+ ions at the B-site of the BNT perovskite lattice, on piezoelectric performance were systematically investigated. The influence of sintering temperature on both piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties was also explored, revealing that sintering temperature significantly affects both the microstructure and the electrical properties of the ceramics. The results indicate that the incorporation of (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+ significantly enhances the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of BNT ceramics. Specifically, a maximum piezoelectric constant of 91 pC/N was achieved at a sintering temperature of 1160 °C and a doping concentration of x = 0.01. By comparing the ferroelectric properties across different doping levels and sintering temperatures, this study provides valuable insights for further design and process optimization of BNT-based piezoelectric materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2148 KiB  
Article
Structural and Dielectric Impedance Studies of Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conduction in SrLaFe1−xMnxTiO6 (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) Double Perovskites
by Abdelrahman A. Elbadawi, Elsammani A. Shokralla, Mohamed A. Siddig, Obaidallah A. Algethami, Abdullah Ahmed Alghamdi and Hassan H. E. Idris
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030087 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 292
Abstract
The structural and electrical properties of double perovskite compounds SrLaFe1−xMnxTiO6−δ (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric impedance measurements. The reparation of perovskite compounds was successfully achieved through the precursor [...] Read more.
The structural and electrical properties of double perovskite compounds SrLaFe1−xMnxTiO6−δ (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric impedance measurements. The reparation of perovskite compounds was successfully achieved through the precursor solid-state reaction in air at 1250 °C. The purity phase and crystal structures of perovskite compounds were determined by means of the standard Rietveld refinement method using the FullProf suite. The best fitting results showed that SrLaFeTiO6−δ was orthorhombic with space group Pnma, and both SrLaFe0.67Mn0.33TiO6−δ and SrLaFe0.33Mn0.67TiO6−δ were cubic structures with space group Fm3m, while SrLaMnTiO6−δ was tetragonal with a I/4m space group. The charge density maps obtained for these structures indicated that the compounds show an ionic and mixed ionic–electronic conduction. The dielectric impedance measurements were carried out in the range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and the analysis showed that there is more than one relaxation mechanism of Debye type. Doping with Mn was found to reduce the dielectric impedance of the samples, and the major contribution to the dielectric impedance was established to change from a capacitive for SrLaFeTiO6−δ to a resistive for SrLaMnTiO6−δ. The fall in values of electrical resistance may be related to the possible occurrence of the double exchange (DEX) mechanism among the Mn ions, provided there is oxygen deficiency in the samples. DC-resistivity measurements revealed that SrLaFeTiO6−δ was an insulator while SrLaMnTiO6−δ was showing a semiconductor–metallic transition at ~250 K, which is in support of the DEX interaction. The dielectric impedance of SrLaFe0.67Mn0.33TiO6−δ was found to be similar to that of (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3-δ, the mixed ionic–electronic conductor (MIEC) model. The occurrence of a mixed ionic–electronic state in these compounds may qualify them to be used in free lead solar cells and energy storage technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 15703 KiB  
Article
Improving of Thermoelectric Efficiency of Layered Sodium Cobaltite Through Its Doping by Different Metal Oxides
by Natalie S. Krasutskaya, Ekaterina A. Chizhova, Julia A. Zizika, Alexey V. Buka, Hongchao Wang and Andrei I. Klyndyuk
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030086 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Na0.89Co0.90Me0.10O2 (Me = Cr, Ni, Mo, W, Pb, and Bi) ceramic samples were prepared using a solid-state reaction method, and their crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric properties were investigated. The effect [...] Read more.
Na0.89Co0.90Me0.10O2 (Me = Cr, Ni, Mo, W, Pb, and Bi) ceramic samples were prepared using a solid-state reaction method, and their crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric properties were investigated. The effect of the nature of the doping metal (Me = Cr, Ni, Mo, W, and Bi) on the structure and properties of layered sodium cobaltite Na0.89CoO2 was analyzed. The largest Seebeck coefficient (616 μV/K at 1073 K) and figure-of-merit (1.74 at 1073 K) values among the samples studied were demonstrated by the Na0.89Co0.9Bi0.1O2 solid solution, which was also characterized by the lowest value of the dimensionless relative self-compatibility factor of about 8% within the 673–873 K temperature range. The obtained results demonstrate that doping of layered sodium cobaltite by transition and heavy metal oxides improves its microstructure and thermoelectric properties, which shows the prospectiveness of the used doping strategy for the development of new thermoelectric oxides with enhanced thermoelectric characteristics. It was also shown that samples with a higher sodium content (Na:Co = 0.89:1) possessed higher chemical and thermal stability than those with a lower sodium content (Na:Co = 0.55:1), which makes them more suitable for practical applications. Full article
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11 pages, 2553 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ni2+ Doping on the Crystal Structure and Properties of LiAl5O8 Low-Permittivity Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
by Xuekai Lan, Huatao Tang, Bairui Chen and Bin Tian
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030085 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 144
Abstract
Low-permittivity microwave dielectric ceramics are essential for high-frequency communication and radar systems, as they minimize signal delay and interference, thereby enabling compact and high-performance devices. In this study, LiAl5−xNixO8−0.5x (x = 0.1–0.5) ceramics were synthesized [...] Read more.
Low-permittivity microwave dielectric ceramics are essential for high-frequency communication and radar systems, as they minimize signal delay and interference, thereby enabling compact and high-performance devices. In this study, LiAl5−xNixO8−0.5x (x = 0.1–0.5) ceramics were synthesized via a solid-state reaction method to investigate the effects of Ni2+ substitution on crystal structure, microstructure, and dielectric properties. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement reveal a phase transition from the P4332 to the Fd3m spinel structure at x ≈ 0.3, accompanied by a systematic increase in the lattice parameter (7.909–7.975 Å), attributed to the larger ionic radius of Ni2+ compared to Al3+. SEM analysis confirms dense microstructures with relative densities exceeding 95% and grain size increases from less than 1 μm at x = 0.1 to approximately 2 μm at x = 0.5. Dielectric measurements show a decrease in permittivity (εr) from 8.24 to 7.77 and in quality factor (Q × f) from 34,605 GHz to 20,529 GHz with increasing Ni content, while the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τf) shifts negatively from −44.8 to −69.1 ppm/°C. Impedance spectroscopy indicates increased conduction losses and reduced activation energy with higher Ni2+ concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 998 KiB  
Article
Study on the Absorbing Properties of V-Doped MoS2
by Jiang Zou and Quan Xie
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030084 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 166
Abstract
This study employed a hydrothermal method to prepare V-doped MoS2. The influence of varying filler ratios (30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%) on its absorption properties was analyzed. For annealing studies, a precursor powder with a 40 wt% filler ratio was [...] Read more.
This study employed a hydrothermal method to prepare V-doped MoS2. The influence of varying filler ratios (30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%) on its absorption properties was analyzed. For annealing studies, a precursor powder with a 40 wt% filler ratio was heat-treated at 600 °C for 2 h. The results obtained through characterization and testing indicate that the unannealed 40 wt% filler sample demonstrates superior absorption performance, with minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −32.24 dB, an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.40 GHz, and 99.9% electromagnetic (EM) wave attenuation. However, upon subjecting the sample with a 40 wt% filling ratio to annealing treatment, a notable decrease in impedance matching degree was observed, and regions with impedance matching values close to 1 were no longer present. Consequently, it can be concluded that at a filling ratio of 40 wt%, the sample’s excellent attenuation coefficient in conjunction with its good impedance matching collectively contribute to its superior comprehensive absorption performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 3185 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Use of Gypsum Waste for Applications in Soil–Cement Bricks: Mechanical, Environmental, and Durability Performance
by Elvia Soraya Santos Nascimento, Herbet Alves de Oliveira, Cochiran Pereira dos Santos, Maria de Andrade Gomes, Mário Ernesto Giroldo Valerio and Zélia Soares Macedo
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030083 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
This study investigates the use of gypsum waste from civil construction as a partial substitute for cement in soil–cement formulations, aiming to produce eco-friendly bricks aligned with circular economy principles. Formulations were prepared using a 1:8 cement–soil ratio, with gypsum replacing cement in [...] Read more.
This study investigates the use of gypsum waste from civil construction as a partial substitute for cement in soil–cement formulations, aiming to produce eco-friendly bricks aligned with circular economy principles. Formulations were prepared using a 1:8 cement–soil ratio, with gypsum replacing cement in proportions ranging from 5% to 40%. The raw materials were characterized in terms of chemical composition, crystalline phases, plasticity, and thermal behavior. Specimens, molded by uniaxial pressing into cylindrical bodies and cured for either 7 or 28 days, were evaluated for compressive strength, water absorption, durability, and microstructure. Water absorption remained below 20% in all samples, with an average value of 16.20%. Compressive strength after 7 days exhibited a slight reduction with increasing gypsum content, ranging from 16.36 MPa (standard formulation) to 13.74 MPa (40% gypsum), all meeting the quality standards. After 28 days of curing, the formulation containing 10% gypsum achieved the highest compressive strength (26.7 MPa), surpassing the reference sample (25.2 MPa). Mass loss during wetting–drying cycles remained within acceptable limits for formulations incorporating up to 20% gypsum. Notably, samples with 5% and 10% gypsum demonstrated superior mechanical performance, while the 20% formulation showed performance comparable to the standard formulation. These findings indicate that replacing up to 20% of cement with gypsum waste is a technically and environmentally viable approach, supporting sustainable development, circular economy, and reduction of construction-related environmental impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ceramics in the Circular Economy for a Sustainable World)
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19 pages, 9642 KiB  
Article
Niobium Nitride Cavitation Erosion Resistance: An Approach on the Gas Mixture Influence in Plasma Nitrided Niobium Surfaces
by Ricardo Kertscher, Jair Carlos Dutra, Regis Henrique Gonçalves e Silva and Silvio Francisco Brunatto
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030082 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 225
Abstract
This work shows an approach on the role of the gas mixture used in the pulsed DC plasma nitriding aiming to enhance the niobium cavitation erosion resistance through the formation of niobium nitride on the treated surfaces. For this purpose, nitriding was carried [...] Read more.
This work shows an approach on the role of the gas mixture used in the pulsed DC plasma nitriding aiming to enhance the niobium cavitation erosion resistance through the formation of niobium nitride on the treated surfaces. For this purpose, nitriding was carried out at 1353 K (1080 °C) for 2 h, under a pressure of 1.2 kPa (9 Torr), and a 5 × 10−6 Nm3s−1 (300 sccm) flow rate for three distinct gas mixtures, namely 30% N2 + 50% H2 + 20% Ar, 50% N2 + 30% H2 + 20% Ar, and 70% N2 + 10% H2 + 20% Ar. Surfaces were comparatively characterized before and after nitriding through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry, 3D roughness, and nanoindentation hardness measurements. The cavitation erosion test was carried out in accordance with ASTM G32-09, obtaining the cumulative mass loss (CML) curve and the average (AER) and maximum (MER) erosion rate of the tested surfaces. Surfaces showed multiphase layers mainly constituted of ε-NbN and β-Nb2N nitride phases, for the three distinct gas mixture conditions investigated. A CML of 25.0, 20.2, and 34.6 mg, and an AER of 1.56, 1.27, and 2.16 mg h−1 was determined to the 960 min (16 h) cavitation erosion testing time, for NbN surfaces obtained at the 30% N2, 50% N2, and 70% N2 gas mixture, respectively. In this case, the nominal incubation period (NIP) was 600, 650, 550 min, and the maximum erosion rate (MER) was 4.2, 3.4, and 5.1 mg h−1, respectively. Finally, the enhancement of the cavitation erosion resistance, based on the NIP of the NbN surfaces, regarding the Nb substrates (with NIP of ≈100 min), was up ≈6 times, on average, thus significantly improving the cavitation erosion resistance of the niobium. Full article
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9 pages, 2249 KiB  
Article
ZrB2 Gear Fabrication by Spark Plasma Sintering Coupled to Interface 3D Printing
by Charles Manière and Claude Estournès
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030081 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 298
Abstract
The production of ultra-high-temperature ceramic parts, like ZrB2, is very challenging, as they cannot be conventionally sintered without using significant amounts of additives, which reduce their high-temperature properties. However, it is possible to sinter these ceramics using spark plasma sintering (SPS) [...] Read more.
The production of ultra-high-temperature ceramic parts, like ZrB2, is very challenging, as they cannot be conventionally sintered without using significant amounts of additives, which reduce their high-temperature properties. However, it is possible to sinter these ceramics using spark plasma sintering (SPS) without additives or with minimal amounts. The challenge, then, lies in obtaining complex shapes. In this work, we report a solution for the fabrication of ZrB2 gears through the use of PLA-printed interfaces and graphite powder. This process is relatively simple and utilizes a fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer. The pros and cons of this approach are discussed with the aim of identifying what shapes can be produced using this method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ceramic Materials for Industrial Decarbonization)
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24 pages, 2387 KiB  
Review
Application of Ceramic Membranes Derived from Waste and Natural Materials for the Removal of Organic Dyes from Wastewater: A Review
by Keotshepile A. Malebadi, Lawrence Sawunyama, Naledi H. Seheri and Damian C. Onwudiwe
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030080 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 542
Abstract
The growing demand for organic dyes across industries increases their environmental impact since wastewater containing organic dyes poses serious risks to aquatic life, human beings, and the environment. The removal of organic dye residues is a challenge for traditional wastewater treatment facilities, highlighting [...] Read more.
The growing demand for organic dyes across industries increases their environmental impact since wastewater containing organic dyes poses serious risks to aquatic life, human beings, and the environment. The removal of organic dye residues is a challenge for traditional wastewater treatment facilities, highlighting the need for advanced treatment techniques that balance cost-effectiveness and sustainability in the face of today’s strict environmental regulations. The use of low-cost starting materials in ceramic membrane technology has recently become more popular as a feasible option because of its affordability and effectiveness, leveraging the synergy of adsorption and filtration to improve dye removal. Recent developments in ceramic membranes derived from waste and natural materials are examined in this review paper, along with their types, mechanisms, and applications in eliminating organic dyes from wastewater. The various forms of ceramic membranes derived from waste and natural materials are classified as follows: those composed solely of inexpensive starting materials, composites of inexpensive materials, hybrids of inexpensive and commercial materials, and inexpensive materials functionalized with cutting-edge materials such as carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles. These membranes have shown promising results in lab-scale research, but their large-scale use is still limited. The factors that negate the commercialization of these membranes are also critically discussed. Finally, key challenges and future research opportunities in the development of sustainable ceramic membranes for highly efficient dye removal are highlighted. Full article
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15 pages, 2699 KiB  
Article
Sunflower Shells Biomass Fly Ash as Alternative Alkali Activator for One-Part Cement Based on Ladle Slag
by Aleksandar Nikolov, Vladislav Kostov, Nadia Petrova, Liliya Tsvetanova, Stanislav V. Vassilev and Rositsa Titorenkova
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030079 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 386
Abstract
This study explores the synergistic potential of ladle slag (LS) and sunflower shell fly ash (SSFA) in alkali-activated binder systems, focusing on their chemical and mineralogical characteristics and the influence of SSFA addition on the mechanical performance of LS-based pastes. X-ray fluorescence and [...] Read more.
This study explores the synergistic potential of ladle slag (LS) and sunflower shell fly ash (SSFA) in alkali-activated binder systems, focusing on their chemical and mineralogical characteristics and the influence of SSFA addition on the mechanical performance of LS-based pastes. X-ray fluorescence and XRD analysis revealed that LS is rich in CaO and latent hydraulic phases such as γ-belite and mayenite, while SSFA is dominated by K2O, SO3, and KCl/K2SO4 phases, reflecting its biomass origin. Infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis confirmed the presence of carbonate, hydroxide, and hydrate phases, with SSFA exhibiting more complex thermal behavior due to volatile-rich composition. When used alone, LS produced weak binders; however, a 10 wt% SSFA addition tripled compressive strength to nearly 30 MPa, indicating a significant activation effect. Further increases in SSFA content led to strength reduction, likely due to increased porosity and excess salts. Microstructural analysis showed that SSFA promotes the formation of AFm phases such as Friedel’s salt and hydrocalumite, altering hydration pathways and enhancing early strength through chemical activation and carbonation processes. The findings highlight the potential of combining LS and SSFA as a sustainable binder system, offering a waste-derived alternative for low-carbon construction materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ceramics in the Circular Economy for a Sustainable World)
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