Search

This research presents the findings of a petrographic analysis conducted on pre‐colonial Ceramics from Aruba, focusing on understanding ceramic mineral resources and production. The study compared ceramics from nine sites with a selection of clay sources from the island. Petrographic analysis identified the existence of three different mineralogical compositions. Two groups of undecorated vessels were likely manufactured using locally sourced clay materials. Group 1 ceramics show a connection with the weathering of quartz‐diorite intrusions in the northwest part of the island and suggest the exploitation of multiple, geographically close sources with similar compositions. Group 2 ceramics are related to clay sources found in the southeast of Aruba, with a mixed geological composition, including limestone, volcanic tuff and quartz‐diorite. In contrast, Group 3 ceramics are mostly decorated and belong to the Early Urumaco Period. They display a distinct composition characterized by a calcareous matrix with clay pellets, clay streaks and the presence of shell fragments added as temper. The extensive clay preparation practice leaves uncertainties concerning the origin of ceramics from Group 3. The study also highlights clay selection and use patterns, indicating that different clay sources were interchangeably utilized by communities across Aruba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The waste residue (ER) obtained by the mutual treatment of electrolytic manganese residue and red mud. ER is a kind of silicon and aluminum waste residue with low pollution. In order to alleviate the shortage of silicon-aluminum raw materials in ceramic bricks industry. In this paper, ER is used as a part of silicon-aluminum raw material to prepare building ceramic bricks. The results show that the impurity ions (Fe3+, Na+, K+, etc.) in ER can promote the formation of liquid phase during the calcination process. This makes the ceramic bricks can be successfully fired at 1150 °C. The mineral composition of ceramic bricks prepared by ER is anorthite, quartz, corundum, mullite and glass phase, and the corresponding contents are 40.31 wt%, 2.48 wt%, 6.81 wt%, 2.58 wt% and 35.07 wt%, respectively. The layer stacking of plate anorthite is closely combined with the corundum to form a microscopic block. The rod-like mullite is interspersed in the microscopic block to form a skeleton structure. This microstructure makes the mechanical properties of the ceramic bricks superior, and the compressive strength is 138.2 MPa. The sintering process of ceramic bricks prepared by ER can be divided into four stages. Stage 1 (25 °C–200 °C) mainly involved the removal of free water and crystal water and the decomposition of part of AlO(OH) into γ-Al 2 O 3 , the corresponding kinetic mechanism is phase boundary chemical second-order reaction mechanism. Stage 2 (200 °C–400 °C) mainly involved the residual AlO(OH) decomposed into γ-Al 2 O 3 , the corresponding kinetic mechanism is phase boundary–controlled reaction and one-dimensional movement mechanism. Stage 3 (400 °C–900 °C) mainly involved the γ-Al 2 O 3 transformed into α-Al 2 O 3 , CaCO 3 and CaSO 4 decompose into CaO, and CaO reacts with SiO 2 and α-Al 2 O 3 to form (Ca,Na)(Al,Si) 4 O 8 and CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 , the corresponding kinetic mechanism is random nucleation and growth mechanism. Stage 4 (900 °C–1200 °C) mainly involved the melting of (Ca,Na)(Al,Si) 4 O 8 , and the continuous formation of CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 , Ca(Al, Fe) 12 O 19 and mullite, the corresponding kinetic mechanism is Mampel power law exponential form nucleation reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B AGAIN WITH THE PLATES: b It started with mineral/geology license plates (May/June 2013 and July/August 2014), ceramic mineral plates (July/August 2021), bookplates (September/October 2019), and now, in this issue, more bookplates (see Günther Neumeier's article beginning on page 533). B MIM'S THE WORD: b Dona Leicht covered the grand opening of the mim Museum in Beirut back in the March/April 2014 issue (pages 134-146). B ERIN DEVENTHAL - One More Time: b Not only have we published her creativity in past issues (for example, illustrations in the Young Collectors article in the November/December 2020 issue and more recently in her glendonite article in the November/December 2022 issue), but also her commissioned bookplate is shown on page 539 of this issue, and in addition she is our featured artist in Mark Mauthner's article beginning on page 542. [Extracted from the article]

This research is focused on the influence of carbonate minerals on the properties of ceramic blocks as a replacement for commercial stabilizers, using three types of clays and sawdust as raw materials extracted from Chiapas, Mexico, for their application in thermal insulation on lightweight construction systems of local buildings. The effective thermal conductivity of each sample was tested by the guarded hot plate method in a permanent state, and their physical and chemical properties were determined by water absorption, X-ray powder diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The results directed attention toward the knowledge of the role of the parameters in improving the thermal insulation properties, highlighting calcite as a favorable stabilizer in the manufacture of such blocks. Furthermore, the parameter affecting the thermal conductivity of the samples is the mass percentage of magnesium oxide (MgO) in a positive linear trend. Finally, the volumetric proportions of the sawdust as a pore-forming aggregate influence the decrease in the bulk density in the ceramic blocks and, thus, the reduction in the thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay minerals are ceramics materials that are involved in a wide range of economic uses. But, their structure and composition are modified by heating and, consequently, compromise their final applications. The actual temperatures at which changes occur vary greatly from one group to another group and even for different specimens within a given group. The aim of this research has been to evaluate the thermal behaviour of a set of design swelling micas, Na-Mica- n (M n) and compare them with a set of natural smectites. All samples were heated in the range 200 °C to 1000 °C; afterwards, they were rehydrated thorough water suspension (0.4% wt). The results have shown that swelling micas have better property of hydration/dehydration than natural clay minerals and those with higher layer charge exhibited higher rehydration ability and dehydration temperature. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of the shortages of high-quality ceramic mineral resources, there are enormous challenges in developing high-performance ceramic materials with low-quality tailings. As recently discovered rare-earth mineral tailings, smoky quartz tailings are regarded as cheap raw materials for ceramic manufactures, but not efficiently utilized in the field of high-performance thin ceramic plates. To deeply explore the application possibilities, recycled smoky quartz tailings treated by thermal activation are used as sustainable raw materials to prepare high-performance porcelain thin ceramic plates. The porcelain thin ceramic plates sintered at 1200 °C for 2 h have the best mechanical performance, the bulk density, bending strength and compressive strength respectively reach the maximal value of 2.86 g/cm3, 118.79 MPa, and 1126.35 MPa. It is found that smoky quartz tailings can promote the formation process of liquid phases that act as fillers for micropores to improve the matrix density at the sintering stage. The excellent mechanical properties of ceramic plates benefit from multi phases and their dense microstructure, high-strength corundum, and in-situ labradorite are beneficial to preventing brittle fracture behaviors and improving the mechanical properties. Microcracks deflection, dispersed particle enhancement, transgranular fracture and intergranular fracture are proved to be the main mechanical mechanisms of porcelain thin ceramic plates. This research can provide ideas for recycling low-quality mineral tailings in ceramic manufactures in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As recommended by the reviewer, the revised abstract is presented below with modifications highlighted. Drilling sampling is a crucial technique for exploring seabed resources, particularly seabed mineral reserves. A novel underwater ultrasonic drilling corer (UUDC) employing a piezoelectric drive mechanism is proposed to overcome the limitations associated with traditional electromagnetic or hydraulic drilling rigs, including high drilling pressure, inefficiency and waterproofing challenges. A proof-of-concept prototype of the UUDC is developed and an experimental platform is established to assess the capability of the UUDC for seabed mineral drilling missions. Performance verification experiments for the UUDC are conducted. Under excitation conditions of 750 V P-P , a frequency of 16.251 kHz and a coring diameter of 6 mm, the UUDC demonstrates a power consumption of approximately 207 W, a drilling rate of 9.85 mm/min and a core recovery rate of 73.60%. The UUDC operates intelligently through piezoelectric actuation, offering flexibility and precision. With features like reduced energy consumption, enhanced drilling efficiency, lightweight design, waterproofing ease and compact structure, the UUDC is well-suited for deployment on various underwater vehicles to facilitate sampling tasks, thereby presenting significant potential for application in seabed mineral exploration. • An underwater ultrasonic drilling corer is proposed and its prototype is fabricated. • The influence of key dynamic and structural parameters on the coring capability is investigated. • Experiments prove that the drilling corer presents application potential in seabed mineral exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a promising method of spark plasma sintering (SPS) was investigated for the fabrication of ceramic matrices designed for the reliable immobilization of highly radioactive radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr. The ceramic matrices were derived from a mixed composition of two aluminosilicate mineral-like phases – pollucite (Cs,Na)AlSi 2 O 6 and gehlenite Sr 2 Al 2 SiO 7. The originality of the developed approach lies in the utilization of hydrothermal synthesis for obtaining granulated precursor material. Hollow aluminosilicate microspheres (cenospheres) from coal fly ash served as the initial raw material, which were treated with alkaline solutions containing Cs+ and Sr2+ ions as simulants for the corresponding radionuclides. This method facilitated the achievement of high efficiency in cation removal from solutions exceeding 98 %. For a comprehensive examination of the composition and morphology of cenosphere-derived precursor particles, and the influence of sintering temperature on phase and structure formation of ceramic matrices under non-equilibrium conditions of spark plasma heating, various analytical techniques were employed. These included thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), powdered X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), as well as the method of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption for determining the specific surface area. The obtained ceramic samples exhibited high values of specific density (2.688–2.915 g/cm³), compressive strength (666–808 MPa), and Vickers microhardness (1.8–2.5 GPa), attesting to their high quality and stability. The results of the hydrolytic stability assessment revealed that the leaching rates of Cs+ and Sr2+ ions from the ceramics are extremely low, within the range of 10−5–10−6 g/cm²·day. These values fully satisfy the requirements of GOST R 50926–96 and the international standard ISO 6961:1982 for solidified forms of high-level waste. [Display omitted] • Cenosphere-derived Cs/Sr-aluminosilicate ceramics fabricated by SPS. • Ceramics exhibited high density (∼2.915 g/cm3), strength (∼808 MPa), µHV (∼2.5 GPa). • Cs+/Sr2+ leaching rates of ∼10−6 g/cm2·day satisfy radioactive waste disposal standards. • Hydrothermal synthesis obtained granulated raw material from coal fly ash cenospheres. • Novel approach uses cenospheres as precursors for Cs/Sr immobilization in mineral ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic nanomaterials are nanoscale inorganic metalloid solids that can be synthesised by heating at high temperatures followed by rapid cooling. Since the first nanoceramics were developed in the 1980s, ceramic nanomaterials have rapidly become one of the core nanomaterials for research because of their versatility in application and use in technology. Researchers are developing ceramic nanomaterials for dental use because ceramic nanoparticles are more stable and cheaper in production than metallic nanoparticles. Ceramic nanomaterials can be used to prevent dental caries because some of them have mineralising properties to promote the remineralisation of tooth tissue. Ceramic minerals facilitate the remineralisation process and maintain an equilibrium in pH levels to maintain tooth integrity. In addition, ceramic nanomaterials have antibacterial properties to inhibit the growth of cariogenic biofilm. Researchers have developed antimicrobial nanoparticles, conjugated ceramic minerals with antibacterial and mineralising properties, to prevent the formation and progression of caries. Common ceramic nanomaterials developed for caries prevention include calcium-based (including hydroxyapatite-based), bioactive glass-based, and silica-based nanoparticles. Calcium-based ceramic nanomaterials can substitute for the lost hydroxyapatite by depositing calcium ions. Bioactive glass-based nanoparticles contain surface-reactive glass that can form apatite crystals resembling bone and tooth tissue and exhibit chemical bonding to the bone and tooth tissue. Silica-based nanoparticles contain silica for collagen infiltration and enhancing heterogeneous mineralisation of the dentin collagen matrix. In summary, ceramic nanomaterials can be used for caries prevention because of their antibacterial and mineralising properties. This study gives an overview of ceramic nanomaterials for the prevention of dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the unique physicochemical properties of magnetic iron-based nanoparticles, such as superparamagnetism, high saturation magnetization, and high effective surface area, they have been applied in biomedical fields such as diagnostic imaging, disease treatment, and biochemical separation. Iron-based nanoparticles have been used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce clearer and more detailed images, and they have therapeutic applications in magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). In recent years, researchers have used clay minerals, such as ceramic materials with iron-based nanoparticles, to construct nanocomposite materials with enhanced saturation, magnetization, and thermal effects. Owing to their unique structure and large specific surface area, iron-based nanoparticles can be homogenized by adding different proportions of ceramic minerals before and after modification to enhance saturation magnetization. In this review, we assess the potential to improve the magnetic properties of iron-based nanoparticles and in the preparation of multifunctional composite materials through their combination with ceramic materials. We demonstrate the potential of ferromagnetic enhancement and multifunctional composite materials for MRI diagnosis, drug delivery, MFH therapy, and cellular imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of TÜBA-AR: Turkish Academy of Sciences, Journal of Archaeology is the property of Turkish Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper demonstrated the feasibility of phenyl-rich oxycarbide (SiCO) ceramics as electrode materials in voltammetric measures of carbendazim using cyclic voltammetry. Ceramics were prepared from pyrolysis of poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-diphenyl-siloxane) divinyl terminated, crosslinked with divinylbenzene, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, and in the absence of crosslinking agent, using argon atmosphere up to 1500 °C during 1, 3, and 5 h. Silicon carbide (SiC) crystallites and graphitic carbon domains were produced in the non-crystalline matrices and the phase crystallization was improved as the annealing time increased, mainly in the presence of organic crosslinker. SiCO-based electrode materials were used as a paste (ceramic and mineral oil in 80:20 wt.% proportion), and carbendazim’s voltammetric behavior was compared to commercial glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical performance of ceramic electrodes showed a dependence on both polymer chemistry and annealing time, in which organic crosslinker-derived SiCO at 3h annealing displayed the best voltammetric response for carbendazim when compared to other ceramics and commercial GCE. Larger semiconductive SiC crystallites, better graphitization of residual carbon phase, lower charge transfer resistance and higher porosity developed into ceramics derived from organic crosslinker played a crucial role on electrochemical performance of SiCO materials. Apart from the improved performance for carbendazim detection, the unmodified produced ceramics, and their direct use as electrode materials, bring substantial advantages for the preparation of sensors avoiding time-consuming and skills to properly prepare, as usually observed in the modified electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the effect of adding sargassum ash as a mineral additive in ceramic clays sintered in a conventional oven to obtain construction materials with lower consumption of raw materials while providing an appropriate destination to stranded sargassum. The characterizations of the components were performed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, loss on ignition, X-ray diffraction, particle size distribution, and real specific mass. The specimens were sintered in an electric oven and exposed to maximum temperatures of 800 ºC, 900 ºC and 1000 ºC. The influence of 10 % and 20 % sargassum ash content on ceramic clay performance was evaluated through physical and mechanical tests. Samples with 10 % sargassum ash sintered at 900 °C and 1000 °C had the best mechanical properties. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to compare ceramics with sargassum ash to other conventional materials, such as ceramic clay used in tiles. The high energy consumption in the sintering process is the greatest contribution to most environment impact. As such, it is possible to add 10% sargassum ash sintered at 900 °C as a clay replacement, reducing environment impacts and enhancing the performance of the materials. • The addition of sargassum ash into ceramic clays allows for the production of composites with desirable physical and mechanical properties. • A 10 % sargassum ash addition is recommended as a substitute material in structural ceramic bricks. • For lower-grade bricks, it is possible to use ceramic clays sintered at 800 °C with a 20 % sargassum ash addition. • This addition leads to a reduction in energy consumption for the production of ceramic clays. • The use of sargassum ash in civil construction provides environmental and economic advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At ceramitec from June 21 to 24, 2022, Messe München is offering the ceramics industry a top-class supporting program. "German raw material production will play an important role" As a representative of the raw materials industry, the Stephan Schmidt Group has been one of the important exhibitors at Ceramitec in Munich from the very beginning. Forums full of innovation While fine ceramics is advancing into new fields with additive manufacturing, innovations in heavy clay ceramics are focusing on resource efficiency. This is the date by which the heavy clay ceramics industry is to produce in a climate-neutral way. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Quintessenz der Zahntechnik is the property of Quintessenz Verlags GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ceramic based composite has attracted remarkable interest due to its pore structure that enables pollutants removal from water and wastewater treatment including inherent thermal and chemical stability. Detailed studies towards the improvement of pore networks of ceramic composites in terms of cost effective fabrication and characterization techniques for water and wastewater treatment is the focus of this study. This review introduces different forms of ceramic composites including alumina, mineral based ceramic composites, silica derived ceramic composites, titanium ceramic composites, zirconia, zeolite and oyster shell based composites for improved application for water and wastewater treatment. Fabrication methods which includes pore-forming agent technique, vacuum impregnation process and 3D gel printing have shown ample viability for the development of highly robust porous ceramic composite membranes with tailored porosity. The removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from water and wastewater was attributed to improved pore structure of ceramic composites. The high stability, durability and low fouling including high flux exhibited by ceramic composites indicated its prospects for water and wastewater treatment. The article reviews the synthesis of ceramic based composites and their functional properties with the aim of providing literature support for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of composition and firing temperature on porosity and bending strength of porous ceramic plates for using in ventilated façades were investigated. Two byproducts, basalt and lime mud, were used to obtain porous ceramic plates in accordance with the circular economy concept. Basalt, which is a fine powder‐based byproduct generated from the processing of basaltic rock, was used to replace feldspar as the flux mineral in a ceramic composition. Lime mud, a byproduct of the pulp and paper mill process and containing a high content of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), was incorporated in the ceramic composition to generate pores. The specimens were prepared using three different amounts of lime mud (20, 30, and 40 wt%) and three firing temperatures (900°C, 1000°C, and 1100°C), and their porosity and bending strength were determined. The highest performing specimen (5.1 ± 1.3 MPa bending strength and 42.6 ± 0.5% porosity) was obtained by using 40 wt% of lime mud and a firing temperature of 1100°C with potential for further thermal tests in a ventilated façade in comparison with a commercial porcelain ceramic tile as reference material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quartz-hosted melt inclusions are windows into the assembly and storage of compositionally zoned magmas systems like the giant magma body responsible for the 2,800 km³ Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT), Indonesia. Feldspar-sensitive element concentrations and interelement ratios in YTT quartz-hosted melt inclusions are found to cluster into three discrete melt inclusion populations. Each population represents a small fraction of the overall range in YTT melt compositions and no more than ~12% to ~21% fractional crystallization at mostly eutectoid conditions accounts for the trace elements variations within them. Kinships between host matrix glasses and co-hosted phases are interpreted as evidence of spatially discrete chemical domains of magma within a more broadly zoned magma system. Quartz growth in the dominant portion of the system apparently occurred after extraction of melt from mush, whereas chemically distinct crystal cores in the more crystal-rich, low-silica magmas may have been derived from mush during extraction or remobilized by mush rejuvenation. Collectively, the chemical zoning of the YTT appears to have developed prior to most quartz growth, likely "bottom-up" due to mush-derived melt heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size-reduction processes are essential for liberating valuable minerals, yet its low energy efficiency needs to be overcome by developing energy-efficient methods. Accordingly, this study tests the hypothesis that rock particles coated with a relatively stronger/stiffer material may fracture more easily during the size reduction process. The hypothesis was tested by (i) coating soft (talc) and hard (magnetite) mineral particles with a ceramic spray and two inorganic precipitates (CaCO 3 and silica), then (ii) assessing whether the fracture strength of coated particles has reduced, as compared with uncoated particles. Also, grinding tests were conducted using uncoated and CaCO 3 -coated talc samples. Results suggest reduction in the fracture strength as well as faster grinding of soft mineral particles after they are coated. The strength reduction is strongly correlated to the rapid force build-up and crack driving forces in coated talc particles. However, neither SILC nor grinding tests suggest fine fragment generation after coating. [Display omitted] • Soft (talc) ore particles coated with hard materials fracture more easily. • New forces, possibly crack driving, develop rapidly in soft ore after coating. • Soft ore particles grind faster after coating. • Hard (magnetite) ore particles do not weaken after coating. • Forces generated by impact can be hindered in hard ore particles after coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium aluminosilicate, CaAl2Si2O8, is a promising ceramic material that has found applications in several areas, such as glass production and petrology. Atomistic scale simulation techniques are used to study the intrinsic defects, Ca-ion migration paths and doping behavior in CaAl2Si2O8. The most favorable defect is the Al–Si anti-site in agreement with the experimental observation. The O-Frenkel is the second most favorable defect. The Ca-Frenkel is higher in energy only by 0.62 eV than the O-Frenkel. Long-range Ca-ion migration is observed in the ac plane with the activation energy of 2.84 eV suggesting that Ca-ion diffusion in this material is slow. The prominent isovalent dopant on the Ca site is the Sr, which was experimentally substituted on the Ca site to prevent phase transformation. The formation of Ca interstitials and oxygen vacancies is favored by Fe3+ doping on the Si site. The favorable tetravalent dopant on the Si site and the Al site to form Ca vacancies is the Ge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticity is an essential property of clay that determines its suitability for water filtration. There are no published works on the plastic behavior of clays from the study locations. The plastic behavior of seven Nigerian clays was examined using plasticity indices and compressive stress parameters in relation to chemical compositions and moisture content. The objective is to determine plastic behavior of some Nigerian clays and their suitability in production of Expanded Clay Aggregates (ECA) for water filters. Compressive stresses and deformation parameters were determined experimentally and compared theoretically. Atterberg limits (D 4318) were used to determine the plasticity indices. Chemical compositions of the samples were examined with XRF and correlated with plasticity and mineral contents of the clays. The clays are aluminosilicates with SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 1.61 to 3.03 and plastic indices of 8 to 49. Low plastic indices (8–11) and low compressive stresses parameters were observed for kaolinite clays (0.002 MPa) due to their low affinity for water while zeolite rich clays showed high plastic indices (46 and 49) for Obowo and Minna and sharp difference in their compressive stresses parameters (0.15 and 0.03 MPa) at optimum moisture contents of 57% and 53%, respectively. Despite varying moisture content, chemical and mineral compositions, all curves showed similar trends apart from kaolinites at 40% moisture content. Relationships exist among microstructural properties, chemical composition, moisture content, compressive strength, and plasticity indices of the clays. The plastic behaviors show they are suitable for development of ECA for water filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disadvantages of surgical sutures, such as secondary tissue damage, surgical site infection, and liquid leaking, can be reduced by biological soft‐tissue adhesives. Although non‐bioresorbable bone substitute materials sufficiently adhere to soft tissues, enabling immobilization of implantable devices, their non‐bioresorbable property limits their clinical use. This study reports the excellent adhesion properties of octacalcium phosphate (OCP), a bioresorbable mineral analogue of immature bone. Blocks of OCP strongly adhere to mouse dermal tissues, enhancing their protein adsorption capacity as demonstrated in ex vivo shear adhesion tests. When soaked in antibacterial solution, the OCP blocks easily adsorb the antibacterial agents in their internal nano‐pores and on their surfaces, imbuing them with antibacterial ability. Therefore, the OCP blocks are a solid‐state material with strong adherence to biological soft tissues and, are especially promising for detachable body‐implantable and/or external devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thorough understanding of magnetic mineralogy is a prerequisite of any successful palaeomagnetic or archaeomagnetic study. Magnetic minerals in archaeological ceramics and baked clay may be inherited from the parent material or, more frequently, formed during the firing process. The resulting magnetic mineralogy may be complex, including ferrimagnetic phases not commonly encountered in rocks. Towards this end, we carried out a detailed rock magnetic study on a representative collection of archaeological ceramics (baked clay from combustion structures and bricks) from Bulgaria and Russia. Experiments included measurement of isothermal remanence acquisition and demagnetization as a function of temperature between 20 and >600 °C. For selected samples, low-temperature measurements of saturation remanence and initial magnetic susceptibility between 1.8 and 300 K have been carried out. All studied samples contain a magnetically soft mineral identified as maghemite probably substituted by Ti, Mn and/or Al. Stoichiometric magnetite has never been observed, as evidenced by the absence of the Verwey phase transition. In addition, one or two magnetically hard mineral phases have been detected, differing sharply in their respective unblocking temperatures. One of these unblocking between 540 and 620 °C is believed to be substituted hematite. Another phase unblocks at much lower temperatures, between 140 and 240 °C, and its magnetic properties correspond to an enigmatic high coercivity, stable, low-unblocking temperature (HCSLT) phase reported earlier. In a few samples, high- and low unblocking temperature, magnetically hard phases appear to coexist; in the others, the HCSLT phase is the only magnetically hard mineral present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vast amount of ceramics (among other grave goods) were recovered from Castillo de Huarmey, a Wari culture (650–1050 ce) archaeological site on the north coast of Peru. In order to assess ceramic production area(s) and possible trade, political or cultural interactions with other regions, and to complement earlier petrographic analysis, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) was conducted following a rarely used methodology in archaeology. The chemical composition of individual minerals in ceramics and sediments samples from the Huarmey Valley was obtained, focusing mainly on amphiboles, feldspars and pyroxenes. The results of the analyses clearly indicate that the majority of the ceramic analysed was made of raw material of local origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Si-Al porous clay mineral material W (PCMW) as raw material for ceramic was prepared from two kinds of natural clay minerals. The waste of PCMW could be used as an adsorbent to remove nitrate (NO3-N) from groundwater. The characteristics of PCMW were determined by surface area, pore volume, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, powder X-ray diffraction, pH(zpc), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential analyses. The optimum values of the effective parameters, such as the contact time (96-120 h), pH (<6.0), initial concentrations of NO3-N (25-40 mg/L), PCMW dosage (0.5-2 g), particle size of PCMW (1-3 mm), and temperature (288- 303 K), were determined. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm effectively described the adsorption process; the maximum adsorption capacity of PCMW as calculated from this model was 5.14-5.30 mg/g. Intraparticle diffusion and liquid film diffusion could affect the adsorption process. Kinetic models, isotherm models, and thermodynamic calculations demonstrated that the adsorption of NO3-N onto PCMW was a kinetically controlled, spontaneous, and endothermic monolayer physical process. The results of this study suggest that PCMW is suitable as a recyclable adsorbent material for the adsorption of NO3-N from groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was the experimental tests of the mechanical properties and structure formation processes of sustainable ceramics from hazardous lead ore flotation waste, spent foundry sand, and natural red clay to produce sustainable ceramics. The lead was mined on a large scale from lead ores in the city of Adrianópolis, Brazil, for 58 years. The wastes from this activity bequeathed profound environmental and social impacts. The mechanical characteristics of twenty compositions of the ceramics were analyzed through the flexural resistance, water absorption, apparent density, and linear shrinkage; the study of the physicochemical processes of the ceramics' mineral composite transitions and structure formation during sintering at 900–1250 °C was accomplished using XRD, SEM, EDS, AAS, and LAMMA methods. All ceramics presented flexural resistance (until 10.08 MPa) in comparison with the values established in the Brazilian national standards (> 1.5 MPa), with low water absorption and shrinkage. Ceramics with 7% of the flotation waste and 10% spent foundry sand, whose resistance reached from 3.7 to 10.1 MPa, showed the best mechanical properties. Leaching and solubility analyses by AAS method showed that there is no environmental jeopardy in using these compositions to produce sustainable ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unconventional materials such as composite, ceramic and mineral materials can be used, along with other technical materials, in various fields of technology. The most diverse processes and technologies can be applied to them in order to obtain finished parts, thus reducing the consumption of expensive and deficient materials. Basalt, which belongs to the category of mineral materials, can be processed by melting and recrystallization, sintering or basaltization. As a result of these processes and processing technologies, basalt improves its main mechanical, physical and chemical characteristics, becoming resistant to temperatures between 4000 ... 6000C, mechanical shocks and corrosion. Under these conditions, basalt can also be used advantageously in the construction of the resistance structures of certain engines, especially for combustion chambers and nozzles, along with other materials already used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of gamma spectrometric measurements of radioactivity levels for 41 zircon minerals samples used in the Serbian ceramic industry. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K for all analyzed samples are 2532 ± 117 Bq kg−1, 360 ± 16 Bq kg−1, and 183 ± 12 Bq kg−1, respectively. Radium equivalent activity index (Raeq), gamma and alpha indices (Iγ, Iα), excess lifetime cancer risk, alpha dose equivalent (Hα), and radon mass exhalation rate (EM) are determined. Annual effective doses for workers in the ceramic industry are estimated assuming exposure to radiation for 800 h per year, and the average value is found to be 1.53 ± 0.07 mSv y−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous ceramic tiles are used as covering for indoor vertical surfaces in buildings. Clay and limestone are the starting raw materials. The firing step consolidates the product's properties in the manufacturing process. In this step several reactions occur, among them are the dehydroxylation of the clay minerals and decomposition of the carbonates. This study determined the kinetics parameters associated with the decomposition of these 2 minerals. Two different methods of samples preparation were investigated. In the first method, 60 mg of a spray‐dried powder was submitted to analysis in traditional thermogravimetric equipment. In the second method, compacted specimens with dimensions of 80 × 20 × 2.5 mm³ and a mass of 7 g, compacted at 25 MPa, were submitted to analysis using customized thermogravimetric apparatus. The curves were obtained for 6 different heating rates between 2.5 and 20 K min−1. The activation energy, the pre‐exponential factor of the specific velocity equation, and the reaction mechanism were determined. Depending on the methods and compaction degree the activation energy varies from 177.0 to 224.7 kJ mol−1 and from 188.5 to 230.2 kJ mol−1 for kaolinite and calcium carbonate, respectively. For accurate measurement of the activation energy, the heat transfer needs to be considered for each particular experimental configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Kaolinite clay fines are prevalent in sandstone porous media and it has great impacts on permeability and well productivity decline. High temperature sandstone formations detach the fines from the pore surface and migrate along with the permeating fluid. At some point the fine particles are strained in the pore throats, which leading to permeability damage and well productivity decline. To the best of our knowledge this phenomenon is not well explored in the high temperature carbonate media. Since most of the world's oil reserves are held in carbonate media and its worth to explore the formation damage, especially due to fines migration during higher reservoir temperature at these formations composed of carbonate minerals. Hence, this paper presents laboratory modeling of kaolinite fines colloidal flow in high temperature porous carbonate media during saline water injection. In this paper, we have conducted three sets of coreflood experiments in the temperature ranges of 100 °C 150 °C, and 200 °C. Kaolinite suspension water has been injected into the porous limestone core at these temperature regimes to investigate the possibility of permeability and injectivity deterioration. The main experimental results showed there is an increase in water saturation and heat transfer rates. Concentration of fines surges with increasing PVI and permeability declines with increasing time. Pressure elevates with enhancing PVI, but it plummets after some time. Significantly, the water discharge rate declines for increasing suspension injection and on the other side, for fresh water injection, the rate of water discharge rises steadily. Furthermore, the electrical and thermal conductivities of effluent kaolinite colloid were higher. Moreover, experimental model were tested against statistical based optimizational model, response surface methodology (RSM). These results revealed good agreement and, hence, this paper has explicated the importance of kaolinite clay fines suspension transport in high temperature carbonate reservoirs. Highlights • Kaolinite fines suspension flow was examined in high temperature limestone rock. • A linear increase in water saturation was observed at high temperatures. • High heat transfer and enthalpy rates were achieved. • Permeability and pressure decline was noted at high temperatures. • Kaolinite fines suspension flow caused an injectivity decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Swelling and displacement of clay minerals during drilling and production of oil and gas reservoirs are among the main mechanisms of formation damage. Most reservoirs contain clay minerals, either originally deposited during sedimentation phase, or precipitated from fluids flowing through matrix. Owing to the large specific surface area of clay particles, their swelling, detachment, and migrationmay lead to permeability impairment in porous media. Therefore, an accurate interpretation of the behaviour of clay particles in the porous media may enable us to prevent and possibly reverse the respective damage mechanisms. In this work, the pore-scale swelling behaviour of clays are studied using glass micro models as porous medium and Sodium bentonite as swelling clay. By image processing technique, effective porosity of model during low salinity water (LSW) flooding are estimated. The effect of different parameters such as porous medium aspect ratio and clay concentration on permeability impairment is studied. According to this study, besides higher clay concentrations, the permeability is also affected adversely by larger aspect ratio of pore bodies. Based on our experiments, a model is developed to estimate permeability impairment by clay swelling as a function of pore geometry and clay concentration. Highlights • A micromodel setup is used for investigating the swelling behavior of Sodium bentonite during low salinity water flooding. • The effect of porous media aspect ratio and clay concentration on permeability impairment is studied. • A model is presented to estimate permeability change by clay swelling as a function of pore geometry and clay concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wellbore instability in shallow unconsolidated formations is a great challenge to deepwater oil and gas drilling operations. Traditional experimental methods for evaluating wellbore stability cannot effectively simulate the cementation and consolidation effects of the drilling fluid on unconsolidated formations. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes an experimental device and method for evaluating the effect of drilling fluids on wellbore stability in deepwater shallow unconsolidated formations. The effects of some typical drilling fluid wellbore stabilizers on wellbore stability in such formations were examined using the needle penetration, permeability, and compressive strength as the evaluation indexes. The results exhibited favorable repeatability with the proposed method. The deepwater formation was simulated by using quartz sand with a particle size range of 450 μm–300 μm (40–60 mesh) and a sand-to-clay ratio of 7:3. The compressive strength and needle penetration of the rock sample cannot be effectively improved with conventional shale inhibitors such as KCl and polyamine, as they are unable to cement and consolidate the wellbore. By contrast, the use of silicates and aluminum complex can effectively reduce the needle penetration and permeability of the rock sample, and can simultaneously enhance its compressive strength by approximately 18%, thus significantly enhancing wellbore stability in unconsolidated formations in deep water. When encountering formation water with a low pH value and Mg2+/Ca2+ ions in the formation, aluminum complex can produce Al(OH) 3 and humic acid precipitates, which can cement the wellbore and enhance the compactness of the filter cake, thus improving wellbore stability. Highlights • An experimental method for evaluating wellbore stability in deep water was proposed. • Conventional shale inhibitors are unable to cement and consolidate the wellbore. • Silicates and aluminum complex stabilize the wellbore in unconsolidated formations. • Aluminum complex enhances the wellbore stability by producing precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present research is focused on the textural, structural and surface properties of Al, Fe and Si hierarchical porous nano-bentonite heterostructure (PBH) derivated from Al, Fe pillared nano-bentonite (Al, Fe-PILB). The application of Al, Fe-PILB as a precursor to prepare porous clay minimized the use of cationic surfactant, water consumption, synthetic time and organic wastes. Furthermore, the incorporation of Al and Fe species from Al, Fe-PILB in the silica framework was performed in one step reaction compared to the conventional method required the continuous control for hydrolysis and condensation in the synthesize of PBH. Besides using Al, Fe-PILB as a precursor, the ultrasonic and microwave techniques were firstly assisted to the synthesis of PBH for opening bentonite layers with breaking pillars resulted in the increasing basal spacing and improving mesoporous silica formation in interlayer space of Al, Fe-PILB in little synthetic time. The LPSD, XRD, UV–Vis spectra, N 2 adsorption-desorption, FESEM-EDS, TEM, and FTIR analyses allowed for a better understanding of PBH behaviors under different synthetic conditions. The results showed that the use of pillared clays in the conventional method did not lead to the formation of PBH due to the strong interaction between the Al, Fe species and the clay layers. The synergism effect of ultrasonic waves and microwave irradiation reduced the structural damage of nano-bentonite and improved BET surface area (867 m2/g), micropore and mesopore volume (0.62 cm3/g) compared to the only application of ultrasonic or microwave techniques. These properties make PBH as an attractive candidate for catalysis and adsorption applications. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A novel PBH was fabricated from Al, Fe-pillared nano-bentonite. • Using of ultrasonic waves for breaking of strong interlayer Al, Fe oxides pillars. • High surface area, more active sites, low cationic surfactant consumption and low synthetic times obtained for PBH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Case histories of jack-up rig installation. • Stronger sand layer overlaying a weaker clay layer. • Measured continuous load-penetration profiles. • Site-investigation data. • Comparisons between measured data and profiles calculated using ISO guideline and recently proposed analytical calculation method. Abstract This paper reports five case histories of jack-up rig installation in layered soil profiles where a dominate feature was a stronger sand layer overlaying a weaker clay layer. In all cases a relatively continuous load-penetration profile was measured during installation of each of the three spudcan foundations. Summary site-investigation data is provided and consisted of mainly torvane, minature vane, unconsolidated undrained triaxial and pocket penetrometer tests for determining undrained shear strength of the clays and blow counts for deriving the relative density of sand. A statistical averaging method recommended in the InSafeJIP guidelines was used to provide the best fit of the undrained shear strength profile in the clay as this then allowed for spudcan load-penetration profiles to be estimated without introduction of user interpretation or bias. Sand properties were taken as provided in the original site-investigation report. Comparisons between load-penetration profiles calculated using the industry-standard ISO guideline, more recently proposed mechanism-based calculation method and three-dimensional large deformation finite element simulations are made with the measured data, leading to valuable insights for practitioners for estimating behaviour of jack-up installations in problematic sand-over-clay soil profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In an attempt to test feldspar dating techniques that would use both IR 50 and pIRIR 225 equivalent doses, we investigated the impact of various thermal treatments on the recovery of a laboratory dose. It is observed that the most reliable protocols for delivering acceptable recovery ratios may be sample dependant. Appropriate thermal treatments, including a potentially efficient pre-test dose thermal wash (PTD TW) could yield dose recovery ratios in a range of ±5% around unity for both IR 50 and pIRIR 225 signals. These experiments are strong indications that rigorous dose recovery tests should be carried out before the measurement of the equivalent dose of feldspar in double SAR protocols. Highlights • Provide experimental tools to test for SAR protocol. • Propose new requirements for dose recovery criteria of between 95 and 105% for feldspar. • Development of a double SAR protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Campi Flegrei caldera (southern Italy) is one of the most hazardous volcanic systems on Earth, having produced >60 eruptions in the past 15 ka. The caldera remains active and its potential for future eruptions is high, posing a danger to the dense population living nearby. Despite this, our understanding of pre-eruptive processes and the architecture of the sub-volcanic system are poorly constrained. Here, we combine established petrological techniques, geothermobarometric evaluation, and high-resolution trace element crystal mapping, to present a multifaceted, coherent reconstruction of the complex pre-eruptive dynamics and eruption timescales of Astroni volcano located in the eastern sector of Campi Flegrei caldera. The Astroni volcano is an important case study for investigating plumbing system processes and dynamics at Campi Flegrei caldera because it produced the most recent (ca. 4 ka ago) Plinian eruption within the caldera (Astroni 6); current long-term forecasting studies postulate that a similar sized event in this location is a probable future scenario. Geothermobarometric results indicate interaction between an evolved, shallow magma chamber, and a less evolved, deeper pocket of magma, in agreement with previous studies focused on the Astroni 6 eruption products. In addition, a range of textural and trace element zoning patterns point to a complex evolution of both magmas prior to their subsequent interaction. High-resolution trace element crystal maps reveal discrete zonations in compatible elements. These zonations, combined with knowledge of K-feldspar growth rates, highlight a recharge event in the shallow plumbing system a few hours to days before the Astroni 6 eruption. Highlights • Trace element mapping of Astroni 6 crystal cargo indicates pre-eruptive recharge. • Geothermobarometry suggests two magma storage levels. • A single recharge event led to eruption of shallow magma in hours to days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Quartz is the preferred dosimeter for luminescence dating of Holocene sediments as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals reset rapidly upon light exposure, and are stable over time. However, feldspar is required where quartz luminescence properties are inappropriate for dating, as is often the case in geologically young mountain ranges and areas with young volcanism. Here we aim to evaluate the potential of single grain feldspar luminescence dating applied to late Holocene cyclone and tsunami deposits, for which complete signal resetting can a priori not be guaranteed. To address potential problems of feldspar dating of such deposits associated with heterogeneous bleaching, remnant doses and anomalous fading, we use a low-temperature post infrared infrared stimulated luminescence protocol (pIRIR 150) on single grains. For most samples, good agreement between fading corrected IR 50 and non-fading corrected pIRIR 150 ages is observed. Both feldspar ages generally also show good agreement with age control provided by historical data and quartz luminescence ages. pIRIR 150 remnant ages in modern analogue samples are shown to be < 50 years, indicating that dating accuracy might be negatively affected by insufficient signal zeroing only for sediments younger than ∼500 years. As these minor remnant ages are interpreted as being caused by unbleachable luminescence residuals, slight age overestimation for young samples can be overcome by subtracting the remnant ages. The good agreement between pIRIR 150 , IR 50 and quartz ages, indicates that a significant number of grains must have experienced relatively complete signal resetting during or immediately prior to transport, as the three signals are known to bleach at different rates. Since light exposure during the event is expected to be limited, we deduce that a significant portion of the grains in the cyclone and tsunami deposits was already bleached prior to the event of interest. These well-bleached grains were likely eroded at the beach, while other grains with larger remnant ages probably originate from the shallow subtidal, coastal barriers or even further inland sources. Additional signal resetting during storm and tsunami transport is indicated by slightly younger quartz than feldspar ages for grains with incomplete pre-transport resetting that were eroded at the Holocene coastal barrier. Highlights • Feldspar single grain dating of tsunami and cyclone deposits younger than 3000 years. • Both fading corrected IR 50 ages and uncorrected pIRIR 150 ages agree with age control. • Well-bleached grains due to pre-transport resetting of source material from the beach. • Multi-luminescence-signal approach informs about sediment transport processes in coastal zone. • OSL indicates mixture of well-bleached grains from beach and incompletely reset sediment from barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Laiziling granitic pluton, located in the Xianghualing district, Hunan Province, China, comprises typical rare-metal granites with a pronounced vertical lithological zonation. This pluton includes three granitic phases comprising, from base to top, medium-grained (MG) alkali feldspar granite, fine-grained (FG) alkali feldspar granite and albite granite. Here we report the results of textural and chemical analyses of W–Nb–Ta oxide minerals from the Laiziling granitic pluton. The chemical compositions of whole-rock samples, rock-forming minerals and zircon have allowed us to identify the magmatic–hydrothermal processes that operated during the formation and rare-metal mineralization of the Laiziling pluton. The granites are slightly peraluminous to peraluminous, highly evolved and fractionated, as inferred from whole-rock geochemical and mineralogical (micas and zircon) signatures. All the micas in different granitic phases are classified into the zinnwaldite group. Li concentration in the primary micas (∼2.6–4 wt% Li 2 O) and Hf concentration (∼1–8 wt% HfO 2 ) in the zircon increase for the base to the top granitic phases. Both alkali feldspar granites contain oxide mineral aggregates including columbite-group minerals, wolframoixiolite, qitianlingite, wolframite and cassiterite. The columbite-group minerals, wolframite and cassiterite also occur as isolated grains within the albite granite. The presence of the oxide minerals suggests that the W–Nb–Ta mineralization developed during the latter stages of the magmatic evolution, related to fluids that were compositionally evolved from the granites. The composition of the fluids controls the aggregate of the oxide minerals. The wolframite and cassiterite that precipitated within the Laiziling skarn-type deposit are chemically different from those within the granite, indicating a hydrothermal origin for the oxide minerals that formed as a result of pervasive alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Urumieh plutonic complex, in the northernmost part of Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (SSZ) of Iran, consists of ten basic-acidic units which formed in response to subduction and continental collision of the SSZ with the Arabian plate to the south during Mid-Late Cretaceous times. Geochemically, the plutonic unit is divided into three distinct groups: I-type, S-type and A-type that mainly belong to calc-alkalic series. The I-type intrusions, especially mafic members, are enriched in LREE and LILE and possibly formed from metasomatized mantle wedge during the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust beneath the SSZ. The felsic I-type rocks are depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, Ti and Eu, but enriched in Rb, Th, K, Ce, U and La. These data suggest that they formed in deep crustal levels via partial melting of crustal sources by injection of hot mantle magmas. The S-type rocks are characterized by low Na 2 O (<3.02 wt%), high LILE, relatively high values of molar Al 2 O 3 /(MgO+FeO) and K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios combined with low CaO/(MgO+FeO*) ratios. These features show that the S-type granites originated from partial melting of a metapelitic to metagreywacke source. The A-type alkali feldspar granites formed through the slab break off after the continental collision in northwestern Iran by decompression melting of crustal protolith. The author's new model implies that collision between Arabian margin and north SSZ initiated in the Late Cretaceous and completed until Late Paleocene. In contrast, in the southeast, subduction was active during this period of time, but collision presumably occurred during the Middle to Late Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace elements of potassium feldspar (Kfs) from pegmatite veins in the Keketuohai pegmatite district were determined in situ by LA-ICP-MS. As the K/Rb ratio decreases, the contents of compatible Ba and Sr decrease, while the contents of incompatible Li, Cs and Ga increase. The K/Rb ratios and above mentioned trace element contents of Kfs from the Be-Nb-Ta mineralized pegmatite veins match those of Kfs from barren pegmatite veins. In contrast, the mineralized pegmatites are characterized by having K-feldspars with high phosphorus contents, mostly above 0.1 wt% P 2 O 5 , which is the boundary separating mineralized pegmatites and barren pegmatites. The high P 2 O 5 content in Kfs indicates high concentration of this element in the melt from which these pegmatites crystallized. The P 2 O 5 content in K-feldspar can be used as an exploration tool for LCT type Be-Nb-Ta deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of TiO 2 content on the crystallization behavior, microstructure, microhardness, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and softening temperature of CaO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 glass ceramic fillers were investigated. The results show that the crystallization activation energy (E) firstly decreases and then increases with the TiO 2 addition from 10 wt% to 20 wt%. The microstructure and phase composition of glass ceramics importantly depend on the content of TiO 2 . Low TiO 2 content results in formation of Ti-contained crystals (CaTiSiO 5 ) due to phase separation. In contrast, high TiO 2 concentrations lead to precipitation of small titanium oxide crystals that act as nuclei, facilitating the development of CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 . Furthermore, the formation of crystalline phases is beneficial for improving the microhardness and refractoriness of glass ceramics. The CaO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 glass with 15 wt% TiO 2 addition exhibits the highest crystalline volume fraction possibly due to the lowest activation energy of crystallization. As a result, its microhardness and softening temperature can reach as high as 898.2 HV and 1027 °C, respectively. However, its CTE slightly decreases from 7.44 × 10 −6 /°C to 6.35 × 10 −6 /°C after crystallization treatment because of the formation of CaTiSiO 5 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic membrane filtration is a viable option for recovery of hot discharges due to their high mechanical, chemical and thermal durability. Recovery of hot discharges in textile industry with this method has not been studied in detail previously. In this study, the potential recovery of hot textile wastewater discharges was assessed in situ taking into consideration the amount, pollutant content and costs of the water. Samples were selected from potential recovery points according to wastewater amount, temperature and accessibility and were evaluated using laboratory scale ceramic membrane filtration with four different MWCO (300 kDa, 50 kDa, 15 kDa and 3 kDa) membrane sizes. The pollutant size distribution correlated with removal efficiency of the method and the highest pollutant removal efficiency was achieved with the 3 kDa ceramic membrane. However, the mixed hot wastewater and disperse printing washing baths mix permeate from the 3 kDa membrane had high COD and TOC contents and was not optimal for reuse without additional treatment. The printing washing baths hot discharges mix was the most appropriate option for reuse with 67 ± 12 mg COD/L, 21 ± 4 mg TOC/L and 23 ± 7.7 mg CaCO 3 /L Total Hardness values which could be reused in dense dyeing and printing baths washing after 3 kDa ceramic membrane ultrafiltration. In order to define the fouling mechanism, resistance-in-series model was used and physically removable resistance was the main contributor to overall fouling. With this method, not only the reuse requirements will be met but also 22% of total water consumption may be reused and thus wastewater, energy and water related expenses may be reduced significantly in textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoAl 2 O 4 ceramic pigments produced by common methods have low chroma values, which limit their application in ceramic glazing, enamel glazing, and ceramic product printing. The colour stability of the ceramic pigments and changes upon high-temperature sintering are important factors, especially in 3D printing. In this study, CoAl 2 O 4 ceramic pigments were synthesized using a co-precipitation method and both the colouration mechanism and stability of CoAl 2 O 4 ceramic pigments were investigated. The Co content, Co ion valence, and coordination number were found to be important factors affecting the CoAl 2 O 4 ceramic pigments. When the Co content was excessively high, either Co 3+ was produced or Co 2+ entered the octahedron spaces of the spinel structure. The coordination field of the Co ions was consequently altered and the colour transitioned from blue to green. After sintering on substrates at 1300 °C, the brightness and chroma of obtained CoAl 2 O 4 coatings were superior to those of the pigment powders prior to sintering, and the colour of CoAl 2 O 4 with a relatively high Co/Al ratio changed from green to blue. The latter pigment may have formed a partially inverse spinel structure upon sintering at a high temperature. The probability of Co 2+ entering the octahedron spaces increased; concomitantly, the number of Co 2+ in the tetrahedron spaces decreased, resulting in an increase in the coordination number of Co. In addition, Co 3+ in the ceramic pigments was transformed into Co 2+ by deoxidation reactions during the coating sintering process, thereby increasing the chroma of blue CoAl 2 O 4 pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]