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Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics
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Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced and Functional Ceramics and Glasses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 3073

Editor

Prof. Dr. Changchun Ge

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Powder Metallurgy and Advanced Ceramics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: metallurgy; ceramics; gradient materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue “Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics”, published in Materials, aims to highlight the latest advancements in ceramics research and provide a platform for researchers to present their innovative work in this field.

The objective of this Special Issue is to address the synthesis, characterization, structure and properties of ceramics, covering a wide range of topics. Submissions can include original research papers, reviews and concept papers. By disseminating cutting-edge research and reporting significant results, this Special Issue will provide valuable insights and contribute to the advancement of ceramics science.

Authors from academia are encouraged to submit their manuscripts to this Special Issue and be a part of this exciting initiative contributing to the advancement of ceramics science.

Prof. Dr. Changchun Ge
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • functionally graded materials
  • laminar graded materials
  • metal–ceramic graded materials
  • organic–inorganic graded materials
  • advanced graded materials
  • high-performance materials

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 4827 KB  
Article
Enhancement of Ti(C,N)-Based Cermets by Aluminum Nitride: Binder Phase Strengthening and Microstructural Refinement
by Lili Ma, Yiping Xu, Yulin Lin, Binbin Wei and Houan Zhang
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122441 - 7 Jun 2026
Viewed by 628
Abstract
This study systematically investigated the influence of aluminum nitride (AlN) addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets with low Ni/Co and high N contents. The results demonstrate that AlN addition does not alter the phase composition of Ti(C,N)-based cermets, and [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigated the influence of aluminum nitride (AlN) addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets with low Ni/Co and high N contents. The results demonstrate that AlN addition does not alter the phase composition of Ti(C,N)-based cermets, and their microstructure retains the characteristic core–rim morphology. The dissolution of Al atoms from AlN effectively suppressed abnormal growth of Ti(C,N) grains and enhanced the mechanical stability of the binder. Densification and comprehensive mechanical properties strongly depended on the AlN content. Both parameters initially improved with the addition of AlN, peaked at an optimal content of 1.0 wt.%, and then declined upon further addition due to the formation of micropores and brittle agglomerates of Al2O3. At the optimal AlN content of 1.0 wt.%, the cermets demonstrated peak performance: a Vickers hardness of 1676 HV30, a transverse rupture strength of 1486 MPa, and a fracture toughness of 8.8 MPa·m1/2. The results elucidate the dual role of AlN as both a microstructural refiner and a precursor for in situ strengthening of the binder phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics)
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14 pages, 1969 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of the Si/Al Stoichiometry and Catalyst Content on the Growth Mechanism of Mullite Whiskers
by Haihong Zhang, Fangli Yu, Haifu Li, Haibo Li, Qiang Zhi, Bin Li, Fengli He and Yeye Liu
Materials 2026, 19(10), 2065; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19102065 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 299
Abstract
In this study, mullite single-crystal whiskers were prepared by sintering mullite gel powders using HF as a catalyst via the sol–gel process. The effects of the Al2O3:SiO2 molar ratio on the morphology of mullite whiskers in the Al–Si–F [...] Read more.
In this study, mullite single-crystal whiskers were prepared by sintering mullite gel powders using HF as a catalyst via the sol–gel process. The effects of the Al2O3:SiO2 molar ratio on the morphology of mullite whiskers in the Al–Si–F system were comprehensively explored during the catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of the Si:Al ratio and the catalyst content on the growth mechanism of mullite whiskers were evaluated. The morphological characteristics of the whiskers were determined using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, morphological parameters, including the diameter and length of whiskers, were statistically analyzed using the Image J software. Additionally, the compositional variation and phase evolution during the whisker growth process were examined via energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively, and the corresponding growth mechanism was elucidated. When HF-mediated catalysis reaches a sufficient level (Al2O3:SiO2:HF = 1:1.5:4.3), the low SiO2 content in the system leads to Al enrichment and the formation of flake-shaped Al2O3 structures, indicating an effect analogous to that of increasing catalyst content. Conversely, the simultaneous reduction in the contents of HF and SiO2 induces different catalytic reactions because of their synergy. Specifically, at relatively low SiO2 and HF contents, F ions enter the Al–Si–O system via SiF4, leading to the generation of fluorine-containing topaz, which subsequently transforms into mullite. At relatively high SiO2 and HF contents, mullite can be directly synthesized via the reaction of AlF3 and SiF4. With a gradual reduction in the SiO2 and HF contents, the mullite whiskers exhibit a varying morphology, predominantly transitioning from rod-shaped to flake-shaped and subsequently to rod-shaped structures. This is due to the synergistic effects of the phase transformation and catalytic reactions within the Al–Si–O system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics)
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21 pages, 5488 KB  
Article
Hydrothermal Corrosion Resistance of Reaction-Bonded SiC Ceramic: Synergistic Enhancement by Homogeneous MoSi2 Distribution and Residual Silicon Reduction
by Shuaixu Chun, Haifeng Nie, Xiaoyang Guo, Tihao Cao, Quanxing Ren, Qing Sun, Zhengren Huang, Qing Huang and Yinsheng Li
Materials 2026, 19(10), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19102039 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Reaction-bonded SiC (RBSC) ceramics exhibit limited hydrothermal corrosion resistance due to the presence of residual silicon. This study presents a strategy to enhance the corrosion resistance of RBSC through homogeneous incorporation of MoSi2 and concurrent reduction in residual silicon content. Three material [...] Read more.
Reaction-bonded SiC (RBSC) ceramics exhibit limited hydrothermal corrosion resistance due to the presence of residual silicon. This study presents a strategy to enhance the corrosion resistance of RBSC through homogeneous incorporation of MoSi2 and concurrent reduction in residual silicon content. Three material systems were fabricated via reactive melt infiltration: conventional RBSC with a SiC/C preform (SC), a SiC–MoSi2 composite incorporating commercial Mo2C powder via physical mixing (MC), and a SiC–MoSi2 composite derived from a Mo2C/C precursor synthesized by a molten salt method (MS). The Mo2C/C composite synthesized at 1150 °C exhibited fine, uniformly distributed Mo2C particles coated on carbon black, contrasting with the agglomerated distribution in commercial Mo2C mixtures. During reactive sintering at 1600 °C, Mo2C reacted with molten Si to form MoSi2, reducing residual Si content. Sample MS achieved the lowest residual Si (8.77 ± 0.45 vol.%), followed by MC (12.43 ± 0.86 vol.%) and SC (19.17 ± 1.01 vol.%). All samples achieved near-full densification (open porosity < 0.1%), with bulk densities of 2.96 ± 0.05, 3.03 ± 0.03, and 3.07 ± 0.03 g/cm3 for SC, MC, and MS, respectively. Microstructurally, MS displayed homogeneous MoSi2 dispersion, while MC showed partial MoSi2 aggregation, and SC contained continuous residual Si regions. Hydrothermal corrosion tests at 345 °C and 15 MPa for 9 days demonstrated that corrosion resistance followed the order MS > MC > SC. After 9 days, weight loss was 22.3970 ± 1.2059 mg/cm2 (SC), 17.6370 ± 0.8266 mg/cm2 (MC), and 15.4347 ± 0.7807 mg/cm2 (MS), with corrosion depths of 393.17 ± 27.46, 267.40 ± 24.44, and 224.60 ± 25.13 μm, respectively. The enhanced performance of MS arises from two synergistic factors: reduced residual Si minimizes large corrosion pores, while uniform distribution of MoSi2 facilitates the formation of a stable, dissolution-resistant composite oxide layer composed of MoO3 and SiO2, in which MoO3 restrains excessive dissolution of SiO2 through a pinning effect. These findings demonstrate that combining residual Si reduction with homogeneous MoSi2 incorporation via molten salt-synthesized precursors offers an effective strategy for improving hydrothermal corrosion resistance of reaction-bonded SiC-based materials for applications in high-temperature and high-pressure aqueous environments such as nuclear water reactors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics)
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30 pages, 23106 KB  
Article
Effect of Na2O on the Low-Temperature Densification, Crystallization Behavior, and Dielectric Properties of Perlite Tailings-Derived α-Cordierite Glass-Ceramics
by Saibo Wang, Yongsheng Yu, Yunxiao Zhao, Pengzhen Wang, Jinghan Wang, Zhaoli Yan and Qiangshan Jing
Materials 2026, 19(7), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19071348 - 28 Mar 2026
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 682
Abstract
To facilitate the development of low-cost LTCC substrate materials and the high-value utilization of industrial tailings, α-cordierite glass-ceramics with varying Na2O additions were prepared from perlite tailings as the main raw material via the melt-quenching method followed by sintering-induced crystallization. The [...] Read more.
To facilitate the development of low-cost LTCC substrate materials and the high-value utilization of industrial tailings, α-cordierite glass-ceramics with varying Na2O additions were prepared from perlite tailings as the main raw material via the melt-quenching method followed by sintering-induced crystallization. The synergistic effects of sintering temperature and Na2O addition on the parent glass structure, crystallization behavior, and properties were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that the addition of Na2O effectively depolymerized the degree of network polymerization of the parent glass, altered the crystallization pathway of cordierite crystal, and promoted the densification of glass-ceramics at lower sintering temperature. The calculations of crystallization kinetics revealed that the crystallization process of α-cordierite was mainly dominated by three-dimensional bulk growth, and its nucleation mechanism changed from “site saturation” to “continuous nucleation” with the increase of Na2O addition. The α-cordierite glass-ceramics sintered at 850 °C with 0.6 wt.% Na2O addition exhibited the optimal comprehensive properties, including low dielectric constant (5.82 @ 10 MHz) and dielectric loss (1.80 × 10−2 @ 10 MHz), high flexural strength (147.3 MPa), a Vickers hardness (9.01 GPa), and suitable coefficient of thermal expansion (2.96 × 10−6 K−1, close to Si). The glass-ceramics are expected to be an ideal candidate for low-cost LTCC substrate materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics)
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17 pages, 1600 KB  
Article
Experimental Evaluation of a Concealed Anchoring System for Large-Format Thin Ceramic Panels Under Wind Loading in Ventilated Façades
by Jordi Roviras Miñana, Vicente Sarrablo Moreno and Pedro Casariego Vales
Materials 2026, 19(6), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19061062 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 526
Abstract
Large-format thin ceramic panels are increasingly used in ventilated façade systems due to their reduced weight, high durability and architectural versatility. However, their reduced thickness and large dimensions require reliable anchoring solutions capable of safely transferring wind loads to the supporting structure. This [...] Read more.
Large-format thin ceramic panels are increasingly used in ventilated façade systems due to their reduced weight, high durability and architectural versatility. However, their reduced thickness and large dimensions require reliable anchoring solutions capable of safely transferring wind loads to the supporting structure. This study investigates the structural behaviour of a concealed mechanical anchoring system for large-format porcelain stoneware panels installed in ventilated façades. An experimental campaign was carried out using a full-scale façade prototype representative of real construction conditions. The specimen was subjected to incremental wind pressure and suction loading in a controlled laboratory environment while monitoring the deformation of the ceramic panels, backing support layer and aluminium substructure. The experimental results show that the ceramic panels exhibited stable structural behaviour without cracking or anchor pull-out under pressure levels up to 3006 Pa, exceeding twice the design service pressure. The maximum estimated deflection at the service pressure level (1300 Pa) was 5.7 mm, significantly below the admissible limit defined by the L/200 serviceability criterion. A simplified mechanical analysis based on classical bending theory confirmed that the stresses induced in the ceramic panels remained well below their flexural strength. The results demonstrate that the investigated concealed anchoring system provides reliable structural performance for large-format thin ceramic panels subjected to wind loading in ventilated façade systems, while the simplified analytical verification confirms the mechanical consistency between the measured deformation levels and the flexural capacity of the ceramic material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Ceramics)
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