Ceramic Design Research Articles

Reactive spark plasma sintering and luminescence properties of Gd2O2S:Tb nanocrystalline phosphor

Gd2O2S:Tb is promising for energy-efficient lighting and display applications. This work explores the use of reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS) to synthesis Gd2O2S:Tb nanocrystalline phosphor. It allows to significantly simplify the technological process in comparison with traditional multi-stage liquid-phase synthesis. As-sintered Gd2O2S:Tb demonstrated average crystallite size of 26 nm and secondary particle size of 26 μm. Bright green emission occurs at 545 nm under UV excitation of 245 nm. Average fluorescence lifetime was 0.656 ms. Further consolidation of the Gd2O2S:Tb prepared via reactive SPS can also be expected to yield highly dense ceramics. The innovative reactive synthesis strategies provide valuable insights into the design and development of high-performance luminescent ceramics.

Time-Dependent Failure Assessment of Ceramic Receivers

The outlet temperature targets for Gen 3 Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems pose a significant challenge to the structural reliability of high temperature metallic components, including those manufactured from nickel-based superalloys. Advanced ceramics present a potential solution due to their excellent high-temperature strength. However, accurate assessment of ceramic components requires an entirely different approach compared to metallic components. This paper describes the implementation of time-dependent reliability analysis of ceramic components in srlife – an open-source software package for estimating the life of high temperature CSP components. This new capability will allow high temperature CSP designers to make fair comparisons between competing metallic and ceramic designs and accurately assess the performance of different ceramic materials for CSP receivers and other components. The current version of the tool is available at https://github.com/Argonne-National-Laboratory/srlife.

Optimized energy storage performances via high-entropy design in KNN-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics

Dielectric capacitors play an irreplaceable role in complex and integrated electronic systems. However, attaining ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) alongside energy storage efficiency (η) poses a formidable challenge, impeding the advance towards the miniaturization and integration of cutting-edge energy storage devices. In this work, a high-entropy strategy with a viscous polymer process is adopted, bringing about ultrafine grains and polar nanoregions (PNRs) accompanied by enhanced electrical homogeneity and polarization relaxation characteristics. As a result, an ultrahigh Wrec ∼ 7.51 J/cm3 is achieved in a high-entropy KNN-based energy storage ceramic with a high η ∼ 88.4% at 750 kV/cm. Moreover, the ceramic capacitor exhibits a colossal power density reaching approximately 420 MW/cm3 and a discharge energy density of approximately 4.85 J/cm3 at 160 ℃. Impressively, it maintains low variation rates of less than 4% across a broad temperature range from 20 ℃ to 160 ℃. The new approach opens avenues for the design and development of superior dielectric materials used in next-generation high-power pulse devices.

Design and synthesis of high-entropy A2B2O7-type pyrochlore ceramics for the immobilization of molten salt radwastes

Pyrochlore-based high-entropy ceramics can encapsulate multiple elements with different valences, making them promising for immobilizing high-level radioactive nuclides in molten salt radwaste. This approach addresses key challenges in dry reprocessing and molten salt reactor waste management. In this study, a single-phase pyrochlore-based high-entropy ceramic is synthesized to incorporate NdF3 and CeF3 as simulated molten salt radwastes. Various synthesis components have been explored, and the ceramics were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Comparative analysis revealed that the size disorder is the critical factor to synthesize single-phase pyrochlore-based high-entropy ceramics. The effects of elemental ratio and the presence of variable valence elements on the synthesis of single-phase pyrochlore-based high-entropy ceramics are elucidated through the concept of size disorder. Two single-phase pyrochlore compositions have been successfully synthesized: #HE4 (Nd2(Ti0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25Sn0.25)2O7) and #HECe0.1 (Nd2(Zr0.3Hf0.2Sn0.2Nb0.2Ce0.1)2O7). These samples were tested with a 7-day leaching experiment using the Product Consistency Test Method PCT-B. The normalized release rates of all elements in #HE4 ranged from 10-7 to 10-9 g·m-2·d-1, indicating excellent chemical durability. These findings suggest that medium- and high-entropy pyrochlore-based ceramics are effective for immobilizing radioactive nuclides in molten salt radwastes.

The dialogue of the past and the present in the innovative trends of the works of pottery of Qinzhou Nixing

The object of this study is the ceramic art of Qingzhou Nisin, which has a history of over 1300 years. The aesthetic characteristics of Qingzhou Nisin ceramics are highlighted, and the current situation of insufficient innovation in modern ceramics is summarized and analyzed. The importance of design innovations is emphasized. A new method of innovative design for Qingzhou Nisin ceramics is proposed, which involves combining the regional culture of Guangxi Beibu Gulf with traditional artistic elements of Qingzhou Nisin ceramics to give them new vitality. The article highlights four aspects that facilitate the realization of innovations in Qingzhou Nisin ceramic design: the fusion of pattern elements, the integration of morphological elements, the integration of texture components, and the use of complex materials. The research methodology includes a literature review of Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art and its contribution to the development of innovative trends in this direction, an analysis of Qingzhou Nisin's works was made in order to understand its style and approach to creating ceramic art. The main conclusions of the study are that Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art is an important part of Chinese civilization, and its development should be based on preserving the continuity of traditions and culture. To restore the connection between the regional culture of Guangxi Beibu Gulf and innovations in Qingzhou Nisin ceramic design, research and innovation practices are necessary. To develop Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art, innovations in design should be based on preserving the continuity of traditions and culture, as well as restoring the connection between regional culture and innovations. Overall, the article shows that Qingzhou Nisin ceramic art is an important part of Chinese civilization, and its development should be based on preserving the continuity of traditions and culture.

Optimization Strategy of Ceramic Design Learning Using Reinforcement Learning

Optimization Strategy of Ceramic Design Learning Using Reinforcement Learning

Textured Sr2Nb2O7 ceramics: Microstructure design, high temperature ferroelectric and piezoelectric performance

AbstractSr2Nb2O7 (SNO) ceramics are promising high‐temperature piezoelectric materials due to their high Curie temperature (TC), good thermal stability, and high electrical resistivity. However, SNO presents low piezoelectric activity (d33 < 1 pC/N). Here, we successfully obtain textured SNO ceramics with an orientation factor of 0.86 by microstructure regulation. Saturated polarization‐electric loop was obtained in textured ceramic with remanent polarization Pr∼3.56 µC/cm2 and coercive field EC∼53.4 kV/cm. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 of the textured SNO ceramics is increased to 3.2 pC/N, with a high TC of 1342°C, while the low‐textured SNO ceramics exhibit no effective d33. Meanwhile, the piezoelectric coefficient d33 of textured SNO ceramics maintains consistency even at 1300°C, showing excellent thermal stability. The underlying mechanism driving this improvement is elucidated, emphasizing the facilitated domain‐wall motion enabled by the engineered microstructure. Furthermore, textured SNO ceramics exhibit high resistivity of 1.33 × 106 Ω⋅cm at 800°C. This study presents a simple and feasible microstructure engineering approach to enhance the piezoelectric properties of layer‐structured materials, offering valuable insights into the design and development of ceramics for diverse applications.

Simulation Technologies Related to the Process Design of Non-firing Solidified Ceramics

Simulation Technologies Related to the Process Design of Non-firing Solidified Ceramics

Toughening Mechanism in Nanotwinned Boron Carbide: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

Boron carbide ceramics are potentially ideal candidates for lightweight bulletproof armor, but their use is currently limited by their low fracture toughness. Recent experimental results have shown that sintered samples with high twin densities exhibit high fracture toughness, but the toughening mechanism and associated crack propagation process of nanotwinned boron carbide at the atomic scale remain a mystery. Reported here are molecular dynamics simulations with a reactive force field potential to investigate how nanoscale twins affect the fracture toughness of boron carbide ceramics. The results show that the strength disparity on either side of a twin boundary is the fundamental reason for the toughening effect; the twin boundary impedes crack propagation only when the crack moves to a region of higher fracture strength. The fracture toughness of nanotwinned boron carbide is greatly affected by the angle between the twin boundary and the prefabricated crack. At an angle of 120°, the twin boundary provides the maximum toughening effect, enhancing the toughness by 32.72%. Moreover, phase boundaries-another common structure in boron carbide ceramics-have no toughening effect. This study provides new insights into the design of boron carbide ceramics with high fracture toughness.

Wet oxidation behavior of Al-Y synergistic modified liquid phase sintered SiC

The wet oxidation behavior of LPS-SiC ceramics as well as the synergistic modification effect of Al2O3 and Y2O3 as sintering aids are investigated. The results show that SiO2 oxide scale is transformed to aluminosilicate with the addition of Al2O3, which can inhibit the crystallization of oxide layer and formation of cracks. The aluminosilicate oxide layers have low kl value close to zero, which can reduce the consumption of protective oxide layer under water-containing atmosphere. Y2O3 are mainly transformed to Y2Si2O7 to resist the diffusion of oxidative gas. However, with the increase of sintering aids content, the aluminosilicate layer with excessive viscosity limits the emission of gas generated by oxidation and causes many bubbles left in oxide scale which provided rapid channel for oxidative gas. Therefore, LPS-SiC with lower content of sintering aids has better oxidation resistance. This work can provide guidance for the component design of SiC-based ceramics and composites.

The Beauty of Song Dynasty Porcelain—Taking Song Dynasty Porcelain for Daily Use as an Example

Song Dynasty porcelain is a peak in the history of ceramics, a milestone in technology and aesthetics. The aesthetic style of the Song Dynasty is mainly based on interest; that is, it emphasizes the aesthetic ideal of plainness, elegance, and beauty. This is also clearly presented in the ceramic design of the Song Dynasty. The beauty of Song Dynasty porcelain not only reflects the social style and lifestyle of the people of the Song Dynasty but also reflects the exquisiteness in the elegance, the incredible beauty in the plainness, and the cultural quality of life in the shape and design of porcelain in the Song Dynasty. These characteristics are well demonstrated in the daily necessities of Song Dynasty porcelain.

The Study of Zodiac Culture on the Development and Management of Cultural Brands in Jingdezhen Ceramics

Background and Aim: Based on the Chinese zodiac culture, this paper explores the brand management of contemporary zodiac ceramics in Jingdezhen. The zodiac culture is one of the most widespread traditional cultures in China, intimately related to every Chinese individual and permeating various fields of Chinese cultural and artistic expression. Regardless of the occasion or form of expression, zodiac patterns exhibit distinct local characteristics and artistic styles. The zodiac accompanies individuals throughout their lives, serving as a symbol used for age counting while also imbuing auspicious meanings and hopeful aspirations. Belonging to the realm of excellent folk art, zodiac culture shines as a brilliant gem in the treasure trove of Chinese culture. Through the study of zodiac ceramics, it is hoped not only to gain a systematic understanding of Chinese zodiac culture but also to reflect the artistic charm of Jingdezhen ceramics. This endeavor aims to inspire ceramic artists and designers, fostering their enthusiasm for creation to produce better works. Consequently, it will lead to a new development for Jingdezhen's zodiac ceramics and ultimately establish a brand for zodiac ceramics. Materials and Methods: This study adopts the methods of literature review and questionnaire survey to provide a theoretical basis and ideological foundation for the application of zodiac culture in ceramic product design. Relevant journals, academic papers, books, magazines, and online information related to zodiac culture and ceramics are reviewed and organized. Experts, enterprises, and designers are grouped for interviews, and surveys are conducted to understand the clear context of the development of zodiac ceramics and the market trends of ceramic cultural and creative products. In terms of expert selection, we will interview Professor Cao Chunsheng, a doctoral supervisor at Jingdezhen Ceramic University; Zhang Jinghui, president of Jingdezhen Sculpture Association, engaged in the production of zodiac products; and Yu Zhichao, founder of Ceramic Gift Brand, and product designer. We use interview forms and on-site visits to comprehensively understand the current development status and trends of the zodiac in Jingdezhen from academic, production, and design perspectives. Results: The research findings indicate that zodiac culture is a significant component of traditional Chinese culture. Zodiac ornamentation is frequently utilized in the design and production of ceramics in Jingdezhen as a traditional cultural symbol in China. With the continuous attention to zodiac culture and the persistent pursuit of creative design, the development prospects of zodiac ceramic cultural and creative products will continue to expand, bringing forth more market opportunities and cultural value. The establishment of zodiac brands plays a crucial role in driving the development of zodiac culture. Building a zodiac ceramic brand is not only about product sales but also about cultural expression and the transmission of values. Establishing a zodiac ceramic brand is not only a commercial necessity but also a practical endeavor to inherit and promote traditional culture. Conclusion: Zodiac ceramics serve as one of the carriers of the zodiac culture. By incorporating zodiac elements into ceramic brands, products can be endowed with richer cultural connotations, attracting cultural enthusiasts and collectors. There is a close connection between the promotion of zodiac culture and the management of zodiac ceramic brands, which mutually promote each other. Through the inheritance and promotion of zodiac culture, we can not only promote traditional culture but also provide new opportunities for creative industries and brand management. By combining creative design, cultural education, and marketing strategies, zodiac ceramic brands can achieve greater commercial success while playing a positive role in the inheritance of cultural traditions.

Effect of Ge4+-substituted on the structure characteristics and microwave/terahertz dielectric properties of ultra-low εr, high Q·f cordierite ceramics

In this study, Ge4+-substituted cordierite, Mg2Al4(Si1–xGex)5O18 ceramics, were successfully prepared by the traditional solid-state method to broaden its application potential. Notably, the excellent dielectric properties with εr = 4.90, Q·f = 128,200 GHz, and τf = −21.01 ppm °C–1 were achieved. The increase in εr value is mainly due to the heightened content of Ge4+ with high polarizability. The Q·f value improved by 2.21 times compared to the cordierite matrix, which can be primarily attributed to enhanced lattice energy, bond covalency, and hexagonal ring symmetry. The alteration in τf value arises from the variation of bond energy, bond strength, and distortion in the [MgO6] octahedra. These conclusions provide valuable insights for the design of silicate ceramics with higher Q·f values. In addition, the dielectric properties in the microwave and terahertz bands were compared. The higher Q·f and lower εr values in the terahertz band mainly result from the withdrawal of partial polarization mechanisms and differences in measurement methods. Mg2Al4(Si0.92Ge0.08)5O18 ceramics, demonstrating an ultra-low εr value of 4.54 and an ultra-high Q·f value of 286,533 GHz in the terahertz band, emerge as formidable contenders for future terahertz communications materials. Finally, a microstrip patch antenna was fabricated, achieving a bandwidth of 150 MHz at 4.78 GHz, which confirms the application in the n79 band for wireless communication.

Microstructural evolution, enhanced mechanical properties, and complex shapes design in high solid content alumina ceramics through additive manufacturing

Manufacturing industrially profitable high solid-loading ceramic materials with finely designed complex shapes is an exciting yet challenging in sustainable additive manufacturing. Here, we propose a resin strategy to achieve a high solid-loading content of 62 vol% alumina slurry for 3D printing high-quality complex shapes using digital light processing (DLP) technology. Remarkably, both high solid-loading content and tuned sintering temperature emerge as key factors in ensuring optimal print quality and mechanical performance. With this strategy, the ceramic slurry containing 62 vol% exhibits lower shear rate and improved layer adhesion. The burnout treatment was designed based on the DSC-TGA results, followed by sintering in an air atmosphere. Comprehensive physical measurements were achieved, alongside precise structural characterization at multilength scales in situ. In depth exploration of post-sintering analysis revealed no changes in phase composition or chemical bonding. The optimum overall performance of sintered specimen exhibited shrinkage of 8.3 %, 8.8 %, and 11.5 % in the X, Y, and Z directions, with a bulk density of 3.76 g/cm3. Mechanical testing demonstrated superior flexural strength of 247.23 MPa, nanoindentation hardness of 30.9 GPa, and modulus of 428.35 GPa. This high-precision printing strategy may significantly contribute to understanding the structure-property relationship of DLP-3D printed Al2O3 ceramic and opening avenue for the applications of high-strength parts in demanding environments.

Research on User Experience and Innovation in Ceramic Design

Research on User Experience and Innovation in Ceramic Design

Effects of different valence of starting oxides on the structure and properties of Co-Mn-Fe-Zn-Ni-O high-entropy ceramics

In this work, using different manganese sources, Co-Mn-Fe-Zn-Ni-O high-entropy ceramics (HECs) were synthesized via the solid-phase method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed that the HECs consist of rock salt and spinel phases, and the choice of raw materials has a great influence on the phase composition and lattice distortion of HECs. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analyses showed that the HECs have dense microstructures, with the major elements conforming to iso-atomic ratios. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy data showed that Mn3+ ions with Jahn-Teller effects distort the [MnO6] octahedra, affecting the electrical properties and aging stability of the material. The room-temperature resistivity of the HEC systems ranged from 20.81 kΩ cm to 35.43 kΩ cm, and the B25/50 resistivity values varied between 4037 K and 4048 K. The resistance drift was observed to be less than 0.70 % after aging at 125 °C for 1000 h. Impedance analyses suggested that the electrical properties of the high-entropy ceramics can be modulated by tailoring the grain size and grain boundary morphology. Selecting suitable raw materials based on valence-induced effects and the tendency of ions to occupy specific sites offers new insights into the design and synthesis of tailor-made high-entropy NTC ceramics.

Influence of grain size and grain edge phase on the flexural strength of aluminum nitride ceramics with Y2O3 sintering additive

The necessity for efficient heat dissipation compels AlN packaging materials towards a thinner profile. In response to the ensuing concerns regarding the reliability of strength, the effects of the grain edge phases and grain size on flexural strength are investigated in this study. Different preparation processes, including (hot-pressed sintering, pressureless sintering, and annealing) are employed to prepare AlN ceramics with different grain edge phases and grain sizes. After classifying the morphology of the grain edge phases and fitting the Hall-Petch relationship, it is found that the grain edge phases had a more significant influence on the flexural strength. Depending on the morphology, the negative effects can be divided into three degrees. While the finer grain size proves advantageous for the flexural strength. Consequently, in the non-additive system, the flexural strength of AlN ceramic is 422 MPa, with an average grain size of 8.47 μm. For the additive-doped system, the maximum flexural strength can reach 532 MPa, which can be attributed to the limited average grain size resulting from the hot-pressed sintering process, approximately 1.32 μm. These results could potentially be employed in the microstructural design of high-strength AlN ceramics.

Enhancing Energy Storage Performance of 0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.15LaFeO3 Lead-Free Ferroelectric Ceramics via Buried Sintering.

Bismuth sodium titanate (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, BNT) ceramics are expected to replace traditional lead-based materials because of their excellent ferroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics, and they are widely used in the industrial, military, and medical fields. However, BNT ceramics have a low breakdown field strength, which leads to unsatisfactory energy storage performance. In this work, 0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.15LaFeO3 ceramics are prepared by the traditional high-temperature solid-phase reaction method, and their energy storage performance is greatly enhanced by improving the process of buried sintering. The results show that the buried sintering method can inhibit the formation of oxygen vacancy, reduce the volatilization of Bi2O3, and greatly improve the breakdown field strength of the ceramics so that the energy storage performance can be significantly enhanced. The breakdown field strength increases from 210 kV/cm to 310 kV/cm, and the energy storage density increases from 1.759 J/cm3 to 4.923 J/cm3. In addition, the energy storage density and energy storage efficiency of these ceramics have good frequency stability and temperature stability. In this study, the excellent energy storage performance of the ceramics prepared by the buried sintering method provides an effective idea for the design of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics with high energy storage performance and greatly expands its application field.

Mechanical properties of high-entropy carbides prepared by high-pressure sintering: Role of carbon stoichiometry

The scarcity of carbon in high-entropy carbides is widely recognized to significantly affect their fabrication and performance. However, achieving both high hardness and plasticity in these carbides remains a formidable challenge. This study investigates the impact of carbon vacancies on the phase structure and mechanical properties of high-entropy carbides, particularly (Hf0.25Zr0.25Nb0.25Ta0.25)Cx (x = 1, 0.8, 0.6, or 0.5), utilizing density functional theory calculations and experimental analysis. Theoretical computations indicate a rock-salt structure for the carbides, with reduced cell parameters as carbon vacancies increase. Notably, carbides with lower carbon content exhibit softer characteristics, as evidenced by Pugh's ratio. Experimental fabrication and testing reveal a decrease in Vickers hardness with decreasing carbon content, attributed to changes in bonding types. Certain compositions, particularly (Hf0.25Zr0.25Nb0.25Ta0.25)C0.6 and (Hf0.25Zr0.25Nb0.25Ta0.25)C0.5, display plastic behavior alongside high hardness, offering promising avenues for future research and design of high-entropy ceramics.

Rational design and fabrication of hierarchical ceramics using bioinspired microstructures for tailorable strength and toughness

Rational design and fabrication of hierarchical ceramics using bioinspired microstructures for tailorable strength and toughness