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Ceramics, Volume 9, Issue 3 (March 2026) – 6 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Cutting edge preparation is essential for improving tool performance, but little is known about how abrasive brushing affects ceramic materials such as zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA). In this work, robot-assisted brushing experiments were carried out to study how key process parameters influence edge rounding. The results show the dependency from brushing parameter and the edge geometry. The process leads to more uniform edges and reduces defects from the initial condition. These findings contribute to a better understanding of brushing processes for ceramic cutting tools. View this paper

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13 pages, 3240 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Milling on the Activation and Phase Transformation of Nanocrystalline Pseudoboehmite

by Aime Gutiérrez Peralta, Fernando Daniel Cortés Vega and Susana Meraz Dávila

Ceramics 2026, 9(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9030035 - 22 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1187

Abstract

This work investigates the effect of high-energy mechanical milling on the activation and phase transformation of synthetic pseudoboehmite powders. The approach aims to provide a clean, solvent-free route with potential industrial relevance for alumina production. Mechanical processing proved effective in inducing the transition from pseudoboehmite to χ-Al₂O₃ solely through milling. The process yielded nanometric particles with low levels of contamination. The subsequent conversion to α-Al₂O₃ was achieved through controlled heat treatments, while phase evolution was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A reduction of approximately 110 °C in the α-Al₂O₃ formation temperature was observed after 30 h of milling. This shift was accompanied by a marked decrease in the activation energy, from 526 kJ·mol⁻¹ for the raw powder to 347 kJ·mol⁻¹ for the milled sample. These results demonstrate the strong mechanochemical activation of pseudoboehmite, highlighting mechanical milling as an effective and scalable route for energy-efficient processing of alumina phases. Full article

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13 pages, 16760 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cold Sintering of Hydroxyapatite/Niobium–Phosphate Glass Ceramics as an Alternative Route to Pressureless Sintering

by Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça da Silveira, Ary Machado de Azevedo and Marcelo Henrique Prado da Silva

Ceramics 2026, 9(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9030034 - 18 Mar 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1124

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a key bioceramic for biomedical applications, but conventional pressureless sintering (PS) requires high temperatures that can promote phase degradation. Here, we compare PS (1100 °C/180 min) and cold sintering process (CSP) (150 °C/450 MPa/30 min) for pure HAp and an HAp composite containing 4 wt.% niobium–phosphate bioglass (BG), using a 2 M H₃PO₄ transient liquid (10 wt.%). CSP increased relative density from 73.10% to 79.92% for HAp and from 68.43% to 83.54% for HAp/BG, representing up to a 22.1% gain compared with PS. One-way ANOVA confirmed a significant effect of processing route/composition on relative density (F(3,24) = 919.69, p < 0.05), and Tukey HSD indicated that all groups differed statistically. SEM revealed a markedly more consolidated and homogeneous microstructure for CSP, particularly for HAp/BG, consistent with enhanced dissolution–reprecipitation and pore filling. XRD showed that PS at 1100 °C led to partial HAp degradation with β-TCP formation, whereas CSP preserved the HAp phase with broader peaks, smaller crystallite size, and higher specific surface area. These results demonstrate CSP as an efficient low-temperature alternative for densifying HAp-based bioceramics, with BG addition further improving consolidation. Full article

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24 pages, 4400 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Dielectric, Electrical, and Gas Sensing Properties of CaFeO_3−δ Through Sintering Temperature Optimization

by Amina Benatia, Najwa Gouitaa, Ina Turcan, Felicia Gheorghiu, Laura-Elena Ursu, Liviu Leontie, Liliana Mitoseriu, Fatima Zahra Ahjyaje, Taj-dine Lamcharfi and Farid Abdi

Ceramics 2026, 9(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9030033 - 17 Mar 2026

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Abstract

This research aims to investigate the modifications of the structural, dielectric, and sensing properties of CaFeO_3−δ ceramics produced by solid-state reaction induced by varying sintering temperatures in the range of 1000–1200 °C. A single crystallographic orthorhombic (Pcmn) structure was revealed by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis, both for the powders and sintered ceramics, irrespective of the sintering temperature. The increase in the sintering temperature induces better densification and a larger grain size. Dielectric measurements reveal a pronounced enhancement of the relative permittivity, reaching 2 × 10⁵ at 1 kHz and 330 °C for the sample sintered at 1200 °C/4 h. This composition also displays the highest electrical conductivity, 0.4 S/m at 1 MHz. Cole–Cole analysis indicates a clear deviation from ideal Debye behavior, while the relaxational features of the dielectric permittivity suggest a strong correlation between the dielectric response and Fe-related conduction mechanisms. Gas sensing tests show that the ferrite ceramics exhibit consistent ethanol response trends. The ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h achieved the highest sensitivity, of 56.28%, which can be attributed to its higher density, larger ceramic grains, and reduced low-frequency conductivity. The CaFeO_3−δ ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h shows a combination of high permittivity, enhanced conductivity, and strong ethanol sensitivity, making it a promising material for dielectric components, capacitive devices, and gas sensing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1862 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Adhesive Protocols on the Repair Bond Strength of Vita Enamic Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Network Using Functional Monomer-Containing Universal Adhesives

by Benyapa Korcharoenrat, Tool Sriamporn, Niyom Thamrongananskul, Nantawan Krajangta and Awiruth Klaisiri

Ceramics 2026, 9(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9030032 - 14 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1320

Abstract

The aim of this research was to assess the effects of different adhesive surface treatment protocols using universal adhesives on the shear bond strength (SBS) between a Vita Enamic and resin composite, as well as to analyze the associated failure modes. Eighty Vita Enamic ceramics were prepared, thermocycled, and randomly allocated into eight experimental groups following silane coupling agent pretreatment and adhesive system: Single Bond 2 (SB), silane + SB, Scotchbond Universal Plus (SBP), silane + SBP, Beautibond Xtreme (BEX), silane + BEX, Tetric N-Bond Universal (TUB), and silane + TUB. All specimens were etched with 9% hydrofluoric acid prior to adhesive application. Resin composites were bonded to the treated surfaces and subjected to SBS analysis using a universal testing device. Failure modes were performed under a stereomicroscope. Data were statistically determined using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Statistically significant differences in SBS were indicated among the groups (p < 0.05). In the result, the SB (13.96 ± 2.34 MPa) and TUB (12.39 ± 2.91 MPa) groups exhibited the lowest SBS values and exclusively adhesive failure modes. Groups treated with silane and/or silane-containing universal adhesives (Sl + SB; 18.42 ± 3.11 MPa, SBP; 19.01 ± 2.62 MPa, BEX; 19.20 ± 2.96 MPa and Sl + TUB; 18.16 ± 2.82 MPa) demonstrated significantly higher SBS. The highest SBS values were achieved in the silane + SBP (24.53 ± 2.66 MPa) and silane + BEX (25.12 ± 2.74 MPa) groups, which were statistically comparable to each other and superior to all other groups. These groups also showed increased proportions of mixed and cohesive failures, indicating improved interfacial integrity. In conclusion, the SBS between Vita Enamic and the resin composite was significantly influenced by surface pretreatment and adhesive composition. Hydrofluoric acid etching combined with silane coupling agent pretreatment and silane coupling agent-containing universal adhesives provided the highest bond strength, supporting a multimodal strategy for the reliable repair of Vita Enamic restorations. Full article

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18 pages, 4928 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Cutting Edge Preparation of Zirconia-Toughened Aluminum Oxide Ceramic Inserts Using Abrasive Brushing Tools

by Eckart Uhlmann, Xinyu Zhang and Anton Hoyer

Ceramics 2026, 9(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9030031 - 1 Mar 2026

Viewed by 946

Abstract

In this study, the material removal behavior of abrasive brushing tools on zirconia-toughened alumina cutting edges is experimentally investigated. Three different brushing tool specifications with bonded diamond grains are tested, varying in filament diameter, filament length, and grain size. Using an industrial robot setup, structured brushing experiments are performed on the cutting edges of indexable inserts under controlled variations of key process parameters, such as brushing velocity v_b, axial feed rate v_fa, infeed a_e, and contact angle φ. The resulting edge rounding is quantified using three-dimensional optical scanning. Key metrics, such as edge radius r_β and form factor K, are evaluated to assess the suitability of abrasive brushing processes for the preparation of ceramic cutting edges. The results showed that the edge radius ranged from r_β = 20 to 80 µm, while the form factor varied from K = 1 to 3. The brushing velocity v_b and axial feed rate v_fa were identified as the primary parameters influencing the rounding radius r_β, whereas the infeed a_e was the dominant parameter affecting the form factor K. While cutting edge preparation of metal and carbide tools is well studied, little research exists on abrasive brushing of zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) cutting inserts. Because ZTA behaves differently from metals, this study systematically investigates robot-assisted abrasive brushing of ZTA, analyzing how key process parameters affect edge radius, shape, and uniformity along the cutting edge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)

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13 pages, 2297 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shade Stability of Dental Ceramics Under Low-Grade Hydrothermal Aging

by Suela Hoxha, Teuta Pustina-Krasniqi and Fisnik Aliaj

Ceramics 2026, 9(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9030030 - 27 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1179

Abstract

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the color stability of different CAD/CAM ceramic materials after artificial aging induced by thermocycling. Two hundred disk-shaped specimens were fabricated from five CAD/CAM materials: high-translucent zirconia (HT), ultra-high-translucent zirconia (UHT), standard translucent zirconia (ST), a polymer-infiltrated hybrid ceramic (CERASMART 270), and a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (GC Initial LiSi Block). Color measurements were performed at baseline and after 10,000 thermocycling cycles (5–55 °C) using a VITA Easyshade^® spectrophotometer. Color coordinates (CIE L*, a*, b*) and overall color differences (ΔE) were calculated. Statistical analysis was applied to determine material-dependent differences. All materials exhibited statistically significant color changes after thermocycling (p < 0.001). The color change varied by material. Lithium disilicate showed the highest ΔE values, whereas UHT, HT zirconia and CERASMART 270 showed lower color changes, yielding results within clinically acceptable limits. Color stability after thermocycling is highly material-dependent. Zirconia-based and polymer-infiltrated ceramics showed superior optical aging resistance compared to lithium disilicate ceramics, indicating their clinical suitability for long-term esthetic CAD/CAM restorations. Full article

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