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Ceramics, Volume 8, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 10 articles

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10 pages, 13588 KB  
Article
Densification and Conductivity of Li-Doped NiO Targets for Hole-Transport Layer of Perovskite Solar Cells
by Juan Li, Jiwen Xu, Guisheng Zhu, Xianjie Zhou, Fei Shang and Huarui Xu
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040128 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 91
Abstract
NiO-based hole-transport layers are crucial for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. An industrial deposition method of NiO films is magnetron sputtering using ceramic targets. NiO targets doped with Li contents at 1%, 3%, and 5% were designed, and the doping contents and sintering temperatures [...] Read more.
NiO-based hole-transport layers are crucial for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. An industrial deposition method of NiO films is magnetron sputtering using ceramic targets. NiO targets doped with Li contents at 1%, 3%, and 5% were designed, and the doping contents and sintering temperatures were investigated. All the targets have a face-centered cubic phase, dense microstructure, and an average size of a few microns. The NLO targets sintered at an optimal temperature of 1400 °C exhibited high relative density (>98%) and low resistivity (<6 Ω∙cm). These results pave the way for depositing NiO-based hole-transport layer by magnetron sputtering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 5806 KB  
Article
Hydrothermal Synthesis Optimization of High-Aspect Ratio α-Al2O3 Microfibers for Thermally Conductive Soft Composites
by Omar Zahhaf, Giulia D’Ambrogio, François Grasland, Guilhem Rival, Minh-Quyen Le, Pierre-Jean Cottinet and Jean-Fabien Capsal
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040127 - 9 Oct 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
This work presents a comprehensive study on the synthesis and application of Al2O3 fibers derived from an ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (AACH) precursor. Through a hydrothermal route, the influence of critical synthesis parameters, including aluminum nitrate and urea concentrations, reaction [...] Read more.
This work presents a comprehensive study on the synthesis and application of Al2O3 fibers derived from an ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (AACH) precursor. Through a hydrothermal route, the influence of critical synthesis parameters, including aluminum nitrate and urea concentrations, reaction temperature and time, and stirring conditions, on fiber morphology and aspect ratio was systematically investigated. The as-synthesized AACH fibers were subsequently converted into thermodynamically stable α-alumina fibers via controlled annealing. These high-aspect ratio alumina fibers were incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to produce electrically insulating, thermally conductive composites. The thermal performance of fiber-filled composites was benchmarked against that of particle-filled counterparts, with the former exhibiting significantly enhanced thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the dielectrophoretic alignment of alumina fibers led to an additional increase in thermal conductivity, underlining the importance of high-aspect ratio fillers. This study uniquely combines the controlled synthesis of alumina fibers with their incorporation and alignment in a polymer matrix, presenting a novel and effective approach for engineering anisotropic, thermally conductive, and electrically insulating composite materials. Dielectrophoretic alignment of α-Al2O3 fibers synthesized through optimized hydrothermal conditions and incorporated into PDMS composites deliver over 95 % higher thermal conductivity than spherical fillers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)
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19 pages, 7802 KB  
Article
Barium Strontium Titanate: Comparison of Material Properties Obtained via Solid-State and Sol–Gel Synthesis
by Thomas Hanemann, Martin Ade, Emine Cimen, Julia Schoenfelder, Kirsten Honnef, Matthias Wapler and Ines Ketterer
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040126 - 4 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Barium strontium titanates (Ba1−xSrxTiO3, BST) with varying barium-to-strontium ratios were synthesized by the solid-state route (SSR) as well as by the sol–gel process (SGP). In the case of the SSR, the strontium amount x was varied from [...] Read more.
Barium strontium titanates (Ba1−xSrxTiO3, BST) with varying barium-to-strontium ratios were synthesized by the solid-state route (SSR) as well as by the sol–gel process (SGP). In the case of the SSR, the strontium amount x was varied from 0.0 to 0.25 in 0.05 steps, due to the enhanced synthetic effort, and in the case of the SGP, x was set only to 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25. The resulting properties after synthesis, calcination, and sintering, like particle size distribution, specific surface area, particle morphology, and crystalline phase were characterized. The expected tetragonal phase, free from any remarkable impurity, was found in all cases, and irrespective of the selected synthesis method. Pressed pellets were used for the measurement of the temperature and frequency-dependent relative permittivity enabling the estimation of the Curie temperatures of all synthesized BSTs. Irrespective of the selected synthesis method, the obtained Curie temperature drops with increasing strontium content to almost identical values, e.g., in the case of x = 0.15, a Curie temperature range 95–105 °C was measured. Thin BST films could be deposited on different substrate materials applying electrophoretic deposition in a good and reliable quality according to the Hamaker equation. The properties of the BSTs obtained by the simpler solid-state route are almost identical to the ones yielded by the more complex sol–gel process. In future, this result allows for a possible wider usage of BST perovskites for ferroelectric and piezoelectric devices due to the easy synthetic access by the solid-state route. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 2142 KB  
Article
Impact of Thermal Cycling on the Vickers Microhardness of Dental CAD/CAM Materials: Greater Retention in Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Networks (PICNs) Compared to Nano-Filled Resin Composites
by Jorge I. Fajardo, César A. Paltán, Marco León, Annie Y. Matute, Ana Armas-Vega, Rommel H. Puratambi, Bolívar A. Delgado-Gaete, Silvio Requena and Alejandro Benalcazar
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040125 - 4 Oct 2025
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Abstract
We synthesized the current evidence from the literature and conducted a 2 × 3 factorial experiment to quantify the impact of thermocycling on the Vickers microhardness (HV) of dental CAD/CAM materials: VITA ENAMIC (VE, polymer-infiltrated ceramic network) and CERASMART (CS, nanofilled resin-matrix). Sixty [...] Read more.
We synthesized the current evidence from the literature and conducted a 2 × 3 factorial experiment to quantify the impact of thermocycling on the Vickers microhardness (HV) of dental CAD/CAM materials: VITA ENAMIC (VE, polymer-infiltrated ceramic network) and CERASMART (CS, nanofilled resin-matrix). Sixty polished specimens (n = 10 per Material × Cycles cell; 12 × 2 × 2 mm) were thermocycled at 5–55 °C (0, 10,000, 20,000 cycles; 30 s dwell, ≈10 s transfer) and tested as HV0.3/10 (300 gf, 10 s; five indentations/specimen with standard spacing). Assumptions regarding the model residuals were met (Shapiro–Wilk W ≈ 0.98, p ≈ 0.36; Levene F(5,54) ≈ 1.12, p ≈ 0.36), so a two-way ANOVA (Type II) with Tukey’s HSD post hoc (α = 0.05) was applied. VE maintained consistently higher HV than CS at all cycle levels and showed a smaller drop from baseline: VE (mean ± SD): 200.2 ± 10.8 (0), 192.4 ± 13.9 (10,000), and 196.7 ± 9.3 (20,000); CS: 60.8 ± 6.1 (0), 53.4 ± 4.7 (10,000), and 62.1 ± 3.8 (20,000). ANOVA revealed significant main effects from the material (η2p = 0.972) and cycles (η2p = 0.316), plus a Material × Cycles interaction (η2p = 0.201). Results: Thermocycling produced material-dependent changes in microhardness. Relative to baseline, VE varied by −3.9% (10,000) and −1.7% (20,000), while CS varied by −12.2% (10,000) and +2.1% (20,000); from 10,000→20,000 cycles, microhardness recovered by +2.2% (VE) and +16.3% (CS). Pairwise comparisons were consistent with these trends (CS decreased at 10,000 vs. 0 and recovered at 20,000; VE only showed a modest change). Conclusions: Thermocycling effects were material-dependent, with smaller losses and better retention in VE (PICN) than in CS. These results align with the literature (resin-matrix/hybrids are more sensitive to thermal aging; polished finishes mitigate losses). While HV is only one facet of performance, the superior retention observed in PICN under thermal challenge suggests the improved preservation of superficial integrity; standardized reporting of aging parameters and integration with wear, fatigue, and adhesion outcomes are recommended to inform indications and longevity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)
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12 pages, 2665 KB  
Article
Enhanced Transdermal Delivery via Electrospun PMMA Fiber Mats Incorporating Ibuprofen-Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides
by Van Thi Thanh Tran, Shusei Yamashita, Hideaki Sano, Osamu Nakagoe, Shuji Tanabe and Kai Kamada
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040124 - 4 Oct 2025
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Abstract
This study reports the development of electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fiber mats incorporating ibuprofen (IBU)-intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDH) for enhanced transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). IBU, in its anionic form, was successfully intercalated into LDH, which possesses anion exchange capabilities, and subsequently [...] Read more.
This study reports the development of electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fiber mats incorporating ibuprofen (IBU)-intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDH) for enhanced transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). IBU, in its anionic form, was successfully intercalated into LDH, which possesses anion exchange capabilities, and subsequently embedded into PMMA fibers via electrospinning. In vitro drug release experiments demonstrated that UPMMA–LDH–IBU fibers exhibited significantly higher IBU release than PMMA–IBU controls. This enhancement was attributed to the improved hydrophilicity and water absorption imparted by the LDH, as confirmed by contact angle and water uptake measurements. Furthermore, artificial skin permeation tests revealed that the UPMMA–LDH–IBU fibers maintained comparable release rates to those observed during buffer immersion, indicating that the rate-limiting step was the diffusion of IBU within the fiber matrix rather than the interface with the skin or buffer. These findings highlight the critical role of LDH in modulating drug release behavior and suggest that UPMMA–LDH–IBU electrospun fiber mats offer a promising and efficient platform for advanced TDDS applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ceramics Containing Active Molecules for Biomedical Applications)
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14 pages, 1641 KB  
Article
Time-Dependent Piranha Solution Treatment as an Alternative to Sandblasting for Improving Zirconia–Resin Cement Bond Strength
by Apichai Maneenacarith, Nantawan Krajangta, Thanasak Rakmanee and Awiruth Klaisiri
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040123 - 2 Oct 2025
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Abstract
This study investigated the effect of piranha solution etching duration on the shear bond strength of zirconia ceramics bonded to resin cement, comparing it to conventional sandblasting treatment. Fifty fully sintered zirconia specimens (6.0 mm diameter, 4.0 mm thickness) were prepared and randomly [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of piranha solution etching duration on the shear bond strength of zirconia ceramics bonded to resin cement, comparing it to conventional sandblasting treatment. Fifty fully sintered zirconia specimens (6.0 mm diameter, 4.0 mm thickness) were prepared and randomly divided into five groups (n = 10): sandblasting control and piranha solution treatment for 1, 2, 3, and 4 min. Piranha solution was prepared by mixing 98% H2SO4 and 35% H2O2 in a 3:1 ratio. All specimens were bonded to resin composite cylinders using dual-cure resin cement. Shear bond strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Failure modes were analyzed using a stereomicroscope and classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed failures. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). Tukey’s post hoc test showed that 1-min piranha treatment produced significantly lower bond strength (7.64 ± 2.02 MPa) compared to all other groups. The 2-min (15.17 ± 2.79 MPa), 3-min (14.99 ± 3.27 MPa), and 4-min (18.34 ± 3.15 MPa) piranha treatments showed no significant differences compared to sandblasting (15.41 ± 2.61 MPa). Failure mode analysis revealed 100% adhesive failures for the 1-min group, while all other groups showed 80% adhesive and 20% mixed failures. Piranha solution treatment duration significantly affected zirconia bonding performance. While 1-min treatment proved inadequate, 2–4 min treatments achieved bond strengths comparable to sandblasting. The findings suggest that piranha solution treatment for 2–4 min represents a viable alternative to sandblasting for zirconia surface preparation, with the 2-min protocol being the most efficient choice for clinical application. Full article
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12 pages, 253 KB  
Article
The Effect of Low-Grade Hydrothermal Aging on the Shade Stability of Monolithic CAD/CAM Dental Ceramic Restorations
by Mohammad Zaki Daoud, Layla A. Abu-Naba’a and Rami Al Fodeh
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040122 - 28 Sep 2025
Viewed by 278
Abstract
Translucency and color stability are key factors for the long-term success of dental ceramics. The aim was to compare the translucency parameter (TP) and color stability (ΔE) of CAD/CAM ceramics, including a lithium disilicate (E; IPS e.max CAD), a zirconia-reinforced lithium-silicate (S; VitaSuprinity), [...] Read more.
Translucency and color stability are key factors for the long-term success of dental ceramics. The aim was to compare the translucency parameter (TP) and color stability (ΔE) of CAD/CAM ceramics, including a lithium disilicate (E; IPS e.max CAD), a zirconia-reinforced lithium-silicate (S; VitaSuprinity), and a zirconia-based ceramic (Z; Ceramill Zolid HT+), before and after low-grade hydrothermal aging (134 °C and 2 bars for 20 h). Ninety disks (n = 30/group, A2, 1.2 ± 0.02 mm) were fabricated and their L*, a*, and b* values were recorded against black and white backgrounds to calculate TP, contrast ratio (CR), and opacity (OP). ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc, and paired t-tests (α = 0.05) showed that after aging, the Z group showed ↓L and ↑a values; the E group showed ↓L with ↑ a and b; and the S group showed only ↑a. All ceramics exhibited ΔE values below the clinical acceptability threshold of 3.7. E presented the highest TP, whereas Z demonstrated the highest CR and masking ability. Aging significantly increased CR and OP but did not alter TP. Within the limitations of this study, all tested ceramics maintained clinically acceptable shade stability and translucency, with E showing superior initial translucency and Z offering improved masking potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Transparent Ceramics)
13 pages, 8153 KB  
Article
An Investigation of the Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Laser Clad 316 Stainless Steel/TiC Coatings Containing Different LaB6 Contents
by Dongdong Zhang, Haozhe Li, Yu Liu, Jingyu Jiang and Yali Gao
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040121 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
In this paper, 316 stainless steel/TiC coatings with different LaB6 contents (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%) were prepared on the surface of 45 steel by laser cladding technology. The effects of the LaB6 content on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, and wear [...] Read more.
In this paper, 316 stainless steel/TiC coatings with different LaB6 contents (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%) were prepared on the surface of 45 steel by laser cladding technology. The effects of the LaB6 content on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the coatings were studied. The results show that without the LaB6 addition, the coating is composed of Austenite and TiC phases, with defects such as pores and cracks, and the microstructure is mainly equiaxed grains. With the addition of LaB6, Fe-Cr phases are formed in the coating, and the microstructure transforms into columnar grains and dendritic grains. The grains are first refined and then coarsened, among which the coating with 4% LaB6 (C4) has the smallest grain size. The experimental results indicate that the microhardness of the coatings first increases and then decreases with the increase in the LaB6 content, and the C4 coating has the highest microhardness (594HV0.2). The wear rate shows the same variation trend. The C4 coating has the lowest wear rate and the best wear resistance. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of the fine grain strengthening and TiC particle dispersion strengthening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)
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11 pages, 16326 KB  
Article
Changes in Morphology Caused by Mass Transfer Phenomenon
by Toshihiro Ishikawa
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040120 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
The mass transfer phenomenon of contained impurities causes differences in the morphologies, densification processes, and heat resistance of ceramics. Of these, in this paper, differences in the heat resistance of ceramic fibers are discussed. Third-generation SiC polycrystalline fibers demonstrated excellent heat resistance. However, [...] Read more.
The mass transfer phenomenon of contained impurities causes differences in the morphologies, densification processes, and heat resistance of ceramics. Of these, in this paper, differences in the heat resistance of ceramic fibers are discussed. Third-generation SiC polycrystalline fibers demonstrated excellent heat resistance. However, at temperatures above 1800 °C, sintered fiber (Tyranno SA) and non-sintered fiber (Hi-Nicalon Type S) showed remarkable differences in heat resistance. At temperatures above 1800 °C, the non-sintered fiber underwent structural changes, including the formation of a surface carbon layer and abnormal SiC grain growth, whereas the sintered fiber maintained its stable polycrystalline structure. Until now, these differences and a detailed description of them have not been discussed. Here, we first explain the dramatic differences in heat resistance that occurred at high temperatures in relation to the mass transfer of excess carbon. Our findings should be widely used for the development of much more stable structures and for the long-term use of materials at higher temperatures in applications such as airplane engines and turbines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)
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52 pages, 7164 KB  
Review
Binary Oxide Ceramics (TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, SiO2, CeO2, Fe2O3, and WO3) for Solar Cell Applications: A Comparative and Bibliometric Analysis
by Yana Suchikova, Serhii Nazarovets, Marina Konuhova and Anatoli I. Popov
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040119 - 23 Sep 2025
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Abstract
Binary oxide ceramics have emerged as key materials in solar energy research due to their versatility, chemical stability, and tunable electronic properties. This study presents a comparative analysis of seven prominent oxides (TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, SiO2 [...] Read more.
Binary oxide ceramics have emerged as key materials in solar energy research due to their versatility, chemical stability, and tunable electronic properties. This study presents a comparative analysis of seven prominent oxides (TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, SiO2, CeO2, Fe2O3, and WO3), focusing on their functional roles in silicon, perovskite, dye-sensitized, and thin-film solar cells. A bibliometric analysis covering over 50,000 publications highlights TiO2 and ZnO as the most widely studied materials, serving as electron transport layers, antireflective coatings, and buffer layers. Al2O3 and SiO2 demonstrate highly specialized applications in surface passivation and interface engineering, while CeO2 offers UV-blocking capability and Fe2O3 shows potential as an absorber material in photoelectrochemical systems. WO3 is noted for its multifunctionality and suitability for scalable, high-rate processing. Together, these findings suggest that binary oxide ceramics are poised to transition from supporting roles to essential components of stable, efficient, and environmentally safer next-generation solar cells. Full article
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