Ceramic Design Research Articles

Achieving outstanding energy storage behaviors via combinatorial optimization design in BNT-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics under medium–low electric fields

We have successfully achieved high energy storage density and efficiency under low electric fields through the compositional synergetic design of a ternary solid solution system, Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–BaZr0.3Ti0.7O3–NaNbO3.

Well-balanced performance achieved in PZT piezoceramics via a multiscale regulation strategy.

Emerging high-power piezoelectric applications demand the development of piezoelectric materials featuring both a high mechanical quality factor (Qm) and a large piezoelectric coefficient (d33). However, it is widely accepted that an increase in d33 is usually accompanied with a decrease in Qm, and vice versa. Herein, a multiscale regulation strategy is proposed to improve Qm and d33 simultaneously from the perspectives of phase structure, ferroelectric domains, and lattice defects. A well-balanced combination of electromechanical performances with Qm = 726, d33 = 502 pC N-1, kp = 0.69, tan δ = 0.0024, and TC = 267 °C was obtained. Through structural characterization, it was observed that the morphotropic phase boundary and enhanced dispersion behavior lead to a lowered energy barrier, which contributes to polarization rotation and enhances piezoelectric performance. At the same time, the excellent piezoelectric performances also benefit from the highly oriented domain structure and small domain size after high-temperature poling. Furthermore, the segregation of Ba2+ causes A-site defects in the crystal lattice, accompanied with an increase in oxygen vacancies, which maintains the hardening effect of the ceramics. This study proposes a multiscale regulation strategy, providing insights for the design of high-power piezoelectric ceramics with high d33 and Qm.

Using Artificial Intelligence and Numerical Control in the Design and Production of Ceramics

Using Artificial Intelligence and Numerical Control in the Design and Production of Ceramics

On the Innovative Application of Cultural Symbols in the Design of Daily Ceramics

Ceramics are a kind of material existence in cultural symbols. In the design of daily-use ceramics, the modeling form, decorative aesthetics and cultural symbols are an effective and unified design whole, which is a complementary "cultural system". How to integrate the artistic creativity in the cultural connotation of daily-use ceramics with cultural symbols and values, and how to combine the Chinese aesthetic spirit with the contemporary aesthetic pursuit is a problem worth thinking about in the design.

Mechanism of the effect of Al and Sr substitution on the electrical resistance in CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics

To investigate the mechanism of Al and Sr substitution on grain resistance (Rg) and grain boundary resistance (Rgb) in CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics, various compositions of Ca1-xSrxCu3Ti4-yAlyO12 (x = y = 0; x = 0, y = 0.04; x = 0.6, y = 0; x = 0.6, y = 0.04) ceramics were synthesized. All samples exhibited excellent dielectric loss and breakdown field strength performance. These improvements can be attributed to the substantial rise in Rgb and an unconventional boost in Rg. Activation energy tests and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicate that both Rgb and Rg are strongly influenced by oxygen vacancies (V•• O) and the mixed structures of Cu+/Cu2+ and Ti3+/Ti4+. This study explains the mechanism of Al and Sr substitution based on atomic electronegativity, with Al inhibiting the formation of Cu+ and Ti3+ but promoting the generation of V•• O, while Sr inhibiting the formation of Ti3+ and V•• O but promoting the generation of Cu+. This research offers valuable theoretical instructive for the design of high-resistivity CCTO ceramics.

First-principles calculation of Si–C–N structures with metallicity and high hardness

Stable hard and conductive ceramics under ambient conditions are vital for many industrial applications. However, maintaining high hardness while achieving semiconducting-metallic transition in Si3N4 materials is greatly challenging both experimentally and theoretically. Herein, two hexagonal Si–C–N structures, denoted SiC6N7-1 and SiC6N7-2, were constructed using α-Si3N4 as a matrix model. Calculations of elastic constants and phonon spectra showed stable structures under ambient pressure. Both SiC6N7-1 and SiC6N7-2 can possibly be synthesized at the pressures attainable by large-volume press technology. Compared to a-Si3N4, both Si–C–N ternary compounds achieved a semiconductive-metallic transition owing to the elemental substitution. Property calculations showed conductive Si–C–N compounds with high hardness values of 52 GPa for SiC6N7-1 and 31 GPa for SiC6N7-2. Therefore, the introduction of C atoms tuned the intrinsic properties of both structures, achieving high hardness along with good electrical conductivity. Overall, these findings look promising for future design and synthesis paths of novel conductive ceramics with prospective applications.

Низькотемпературна фазова стабільність матеріалів системи ZrO2—Y2O3—СеО2, одержаних після термічної обробки вихідних порошків при 850 °С

The low-temperature phase stability of materials in the ZrO2—Y2O3—CeO2 system with compositions, % (mol.): 97ZrO2—3Y2O3; 95ZrO2—3Y2O3—2CeO2; 92,5ZrO2—2,5Y2O3—5CeO2; 90ZrO2—2Y2O3—8CeO2; 88ZrO2—12CeO2 was studied. Treatment of materials in hydrothermal conditions under an increased holding time (14 hours) was used. The starting powders were produced by the hydrothermal synthesis in an alkaline medium and heat-treated at 850 °C. The samples were sintered at 1350 oC. The materials properties were investigated by the X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy. The aging stability of ceramics was determined by the degree of phase transformation T-ZrO2 → M-ZrO2 under experimental conditions. Porous microstructures were formed in the samples, which differ in the size distribution of both grains and pores. A characteristic feature is the presence of various amounts of fine-grained fragments with a regular microstructure and the formation of both rounded and elongated grains.The phase transformation T-ZrO2 → M-ZrO2 leads to an increase of the samples porosity. This, in turn, contributes to the intensification of the ceramics aging. After 14 h the phase transformation T-ZrO2 → M-ZrO2 was found in four samples. In the sample 97ZrO2—3Y2O3, 46% of M-ZrO2 was formed; in the 95ZrO2—3Y2O3—2CeO2 sample, 48% of M-ZrO2 was formed; in the 92,5ZrO2—2,5Y2O3—5CeO2 sample, 39% of M-ZrO2 was formed. In the 90ZrO2—2Y2O3–8CeO2 sample ≈1% of M-ZrO2 appeared, and in the 88ZrO2—12CeO2 sample M-ZrO2 was not identified. Formation features of the solid solution during the doping of zirconia with yttrium oxide and cerium oxide, the amount of cerium oxide in a ZrO2-based solid solution, the phase transformation F-ZrO2 → T-ZrO2 during the sintering and the formation of a homogeneous microstructure contribute to increasing the low-temperature phase stability of samples both 90ZrO2—2Y2O3—8CeO2 and 88ZrO2—12CeO2 composition. During the microstructural design of ceramics in the ZrO2—Y2O3—CeO2 system with increased low-temperature phase stability, it is necessary to establish such a ratio of Y2O3 and CeO2 in the solid solution based on ZrO2 that would provide the necessary strength behavior according to the ceramics use. Keywords: ZrO2—Y2O3—CeO2 system, ZrO2-based solid solution, M-ZrO2 phase, aging, low-temperature phase stability.

Adapting Kendi Reliefs for Ceramic Design Developments: Insights from the Morangan Temple, India

Adapting Kendi Reliefs for Ceramic Design Developments: Insights from the Morangan Temple, India

Comparison between Lithium Substitution and Doping on the Physical and Piezoelectric Properties of Lead-Free BCZT Ceramics

Defects generation in ceramics by element substitution or doping may improve their properties. However, different results will be obtained even though the same element is involved due to different mechanisms. Ceramics Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 (BCZT) is one of the potential candidates to replace lead-based material PZT. However, the conventional method requires high-temperature calcination and sintering process to synthesize this material. Thus, Lithium (Li) can act as the sintering aid to lower the temperature at the same time, the properties of piezoelectric can be enhanced. In this paper, the structural, physical, and piezoelectric performance of lead-free Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 (BCZT) ceramics with Lithium Li substitution and doping, synthesized by the solid-state reaction method were studied. The substitution of Li increases the density, ρ and piezoelectric coefficient, d33 of BCZT which are 4.075 g/cm3 and 304.6 pC/N, respectively. These results demonstrate that Li substitution is more beneficial to the piezoelectric properties than doping because it produces higher grain boundary resistance and activation energy and has lower conductivity than doping. This can provide a definite strategy during the chemical composition design and manufacture of BCZT ceramics.

Ba2+/Sr2+ regulation in A‐site vacancy‐engineered B0.015+1.5xS0.245‐1.5x□0.03BNT relaxor ceramics for energy storage

AbstractA‐site vacancy‐engineered Ba0.015+1.5xSr0.245‐1.5x□0.03Bi0.385Na0.325TiO3 (B0.015+1.5xS0.245‐1.5x□0.03BNT, x = 0, 0.012, 0.024, 0.036, 0.048, 0.06) ceramics were fabricated by a solid‐state reaction method. The effect of Ba/Sr regulation on the structure, polarization, and dielectric energy storage properties of the B0.015+1.5xS0.245‐1.5x□0.03BNT ceramics were investigated. With the increase of the x value, the lamellar microdomains transform into the coexistence of banded domains and nanodomains. A double‐like P‐E hysteresis loop with a high polarization value (Pmax > 35 μC/cm2) can be obtained at a very low electric field of 60 kV/cm. Consequently, a large recoverable energy storage density (Wrec = 2.33 J/cm3) can be achieved at a relatively low applied electric field of 130 kV/cm. The designed B0.087S0.173□0.03BNT also exhibits high dielectric constant (εr = 3510 @150°C&1 kHz) with suitable temperature capacitance coefficient (TCC150°C = ±15%) over the temperature range of 17°C∼382°C. These findings provide a novel vacancy‐engineered avenue towards the design of BSBNT relaxor ceramics with high Wrec and good stability for low‐voltage driven high‐temperature pulsed power capacitor.

Superior comprehensive energy storage performances in Eu-doped AgNbO3 antiferroelectric ceramics

Antiferroelectric (AFE) dielectrics are considered promising materials for pulse power applications due to their high energy density. However, the energy storage performance of AgNbO3 lead-free AFE ceramics suffers from low breakdown strength (Eb) and weak AFE stability at room temperature. Along these lines, in this work, the tape-casting process together with Eu-doping was used to improve Eb and enhance AFE stability of the AgNbO3 ceramics. As a result, an ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density of 10.0 J/cm3 was obtained in the (Ag0.91Eu0.03)NbO3 ceramic, which surpasses all the reported values of AgNbO3-based ceramics in the literatures. Meanwhile, the recoverable energy storage density of (Ag0.91Eu0.03)NbO3 ceramic showed excellent temperature- and frequency-stability. Interestingly, a remarkable discharge energy density of 8.0 J/cm3 was obtained in the pulsed charge/discharge test. These results clearly indicate that the (Ag0.91Eu0.03)NbO3 ceramics prepared via the tape-casting process exhibit great potential for energy storage applications and shed light on the design of energy storage ceramics in other materials.

Mechanical and thermal properties of densified ZrCx (x = 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0) ceramics

The mechanical and thermal properties of ZrCx are strongly dependent on the composition and microstructure. In the present study, densified ZrCx (x = 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0) with relative density in the range of 99.2–99.7% have been prepared by a combination of spark plasma sintering (SPS) and vacuum arc melting (VAM). Both the Young’s modulus and Vickers hardness monotonically increase with increasing C/Zr ratio. The maximum Young’s modulus and Vickers hardness values of 488.1 ± 13.4 GPa and 28.8 ± 1.7 GPa, respectively, for dense ZrC have been obtained. With increasing the C/Zr ratio, the thermal conductivity of ZrCx increases. The thermal conductivity ZrC ranged from 25.17 W/m/K to 43.85 W/m/K from ambient to 1200 °C. Owing to the higher density of ZrCx, the present thermal conductivities and Young’s modulus of ZrCx are higher than those of the previous studies. The present results are beneficial to design and preparation of ZrCx ceramics.

Spectrum regulation of YAG:Ce/YAG:Cr/YAG:Pr phosphor ceramics with barcode structure prepared by tape casting

AbstractYAG:Ce/YAG:Cr/YAG:Pr composite phosphor ceramics with barcode structure were prepared by tape casting combined with the solid‐state reaction method. This structure provides a convenient and effective method for regulating the optical parameters such as luminous efficacy (LE), color rendering, and correlated color temperature (CCT) of white light‐emitting diodes/laser diodes (LEDs/LDs). For the sample with a thickness ratio of 6:6:6 for YAG:Ce, YAG:Cr, and YAG:Pr, the in‐line transmittance reaches 60% at 800 nm, and it shows a good optical performance with the LE of 106 lm/W, the color gamut (Rg) of 77, the color fidelity index (Rf) of 86, and the CCT of 7642 K. The electroluminescence spectra and color coordinates can be adjusted by changing the ratio of each component in the composite ceramic and the thickness of the ceramic because the tape casting method allows precise control of the thickness of each ceramic layer. The high tunability provides more freedom in the performance design of composite phosphor ceramics and makes them the most promising candidate for high brightness white LEDs/LDs.

The positive impact of visual beauty of color and contemporary ceramic art design on anxiety patients

BackgroundAnxiety disorder is a neurosis characterized by anxiety. The etiology of anxiety disorder is complex. Many factors including genetic, neurobiochemical, neuroimaging, and psychological factors may all form the pathological structural basis of anxiety disorders. In order to find an effective way to intervene in anxiety disorders, this research was conducted to help anxiety patients alleviate anxiety symptoms through ceramic art design, and to analyze the impact mechanism and effect of the integration of visual beauty of color and ceramic design on anxiety patients.Subjects and Methods150 students with anxiety disorders in a university were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received learning on ceramic art design that integrates visual beauty with color, and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Symptom Checklist (SCL90), and Modified Kupperman Table score changes were used to verify.ResultsAfter learning ceramic art and design with integrated visual aesthetics of colors, anxiety patients in the experimental group showed a significant decrease in HAMA score, SAS score, and improved Kupperman scale score (P<0.05). Ceramic art and design had a significant relieving effect on the symptoms of anxiety patients.ConclusionsCeramic art design integrating visual aesthetics with color has a positive impact on anxiety patients. Anxiety symptoms present a significant improvement, with reducing fear, anxiety, tension, and unease. Physical symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, palpitations, sweating, and sleep quality were also improved.

Aesthetic education integrating traditional culture into modern ceramic design on anxiety recipients

BackgroundWith the accelerated pace of life in modern society, people face increased psychological pressure, leading to a gradual increase in the incidence of psychological disorders such as anxiety. In recent years, the fusion of traditional culture and modern pottery design has shown a unique charm in aesthetic education. Subjects and Methods.200 subjects who had been diagnosed with anxiety disorders were selected.Subjects and MethodsThe experimental group received an aesthetic education course on integrating traditional culture into modern ceramic design, which lasted for three months, twice a week, for two hours each time. The study included learning the fundamentals of calligraphy, classical Chinese painting, and creating ceramic art inspired by ancient poems. The control group received only traditional pottery aesthetic education. The anxiety symptoms of the subjects before, during, and after the intervention were assessed using the SAS-S scale (Symptom Assessment Scale-adolescent).ResultsIt was found that the experimental group scored significantly lower anxiety symptoms on the SAS-S scale than the control group after receiving an education that integrated traditional culture. In addition, the audience in the experimental group generally reported feeling soothed and having a deeper understanding and identification with pottery.ConclusionsAesthetic education by integrating traditional cultural elements such as calligraphy, classical painting, and ancient poems into modern ceramic design has a significant psychotherapeutic effect on audiences suffering from anxiety disorders. This provides a new, non-pharmacological approach to treating anxiety disorders and further confirms the value of traditional culture in modern society.Acknowledgement2020 research project on the development of social sciences in Hebei Province (No. 20200401003).

Application and Innovation of Haptics in Ceramic Brand Packaging Design

This paper explores various attempts and innovations related to the sense of touch in ceramic brand packaging design. Method: Drawing from the historical heritage and contemporary developments in ceramic packaging design, while considering the prevailing emphasis on visual communication, this study provides a rational analysis of the true characteristics and value of tactile elements in ceramic packaging design. It explores the practical application of this artistic expression in areas such as text, imagery, color, and spatial arrangement, as well as innovation from the perspectives of mechanisms, materials, and interactions. Conclusion: With the growing aesthetic demands of consumers, maximizing the artistic value of ceramic design is crucial. Packaging design plays an indispensable role in this process, and the sense of touch is a key element. It not only enhances the diversity of expression in ceramic packaging design but also provides new impetus for innovation in ceramic brand identity. This can effectively promote the modern inheritance and development of ceramic packaging design.

Intelligent Element Layout Algorithm of Ceramic Design Drawing Based on Genetic Algorithm

Conventional intelligent layout algorithm of ceramic design drawing elements mainly uses density distribution method to obtain ceramic design drawing element units, which is vulnerable to the influence of pattern density, resulting in a low distribution balance of design drawing elements. Therefore, a new intelligent layout algorithm for ceramic design drawing elements needs to be designed based on a genetic algorithm. That is, combining the characteristics of ceramic design drawing elements, the intelligent parting structure of ceramic design drawing elements is constructed, and then the brilliant layout model of ceramic design drawing elements is designed using genetic algorithm. The experimental results show that the developed intelligent layout algorithm of ceramic design elements has a high distribution balance, which proves that the designed intelligent layout algorithm of ceramic design elements has good performance, reliability, and certain application value, and has made specific contributions to improving the aesthetic quality of ceramic design drawings.

Using high entropy configuration strategy to design high-temperature thermosensitive ceramics with superior thermal stability and a wide temperature range

Entropy plays a crucial role in designing new functional materials or enhancing material performance. The design of high entropy ceramics (HECs) introduces a larger composition space, thus the understanding of the correlation between the composition, entropy effect, and the performance of HECs is becoming increasingly important. In this work, to pursue superior properties, a series of CeNbO4-based solid solution ceramics with a maximum of 9 species cations in a single sublattice were synthesized by using high entropy configuration strategy. The interaction of composition, size disorder, and configurational entropy on the properties of HECs was emphasized. The potential conflict between high resistivity and low material constant of thermosensitive ceramics was overcome and thus achieving excellent thermal sensitivity properties having an extremely wide temperature range from room temperature to 1623 K and long-term high-temperature stability. This will bring innovative prospects for the design and application of high-temperature functional ceramics.

Effect of solid content on the piezoelectric properties of porous (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramics

The influence of the solid content of porous (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (BCZT) ceramics on the pore morphology and mechanical and piezoelectric properties was systematically investigated. The results show that with an increase in solid content, porosity and pore size decreased, and ceramic connectivity increased, leading to an increase in compressive strength. The best ferroelectric performance was achieved with an Ec of 2.40 kV/cm2 and a Pr of 2.01 μC/cm2 at a solid content of 30 vol%. When the solid content increased, the relative dielectric constant and the piezoelectric constant increased, which affected the piezoelectric energy harvesting performance. At a solid content of 20 vol%, g33 and FOM33 reached maxima of 43 × 10−3 Vm/N and 6.7 p.m.2/N, which were 2.40 times and 1.8 times those of the other solid contents, respectively. This work provides new ideas for the design of porous piezoelectric ceramics and the improvement of their piezoelectric properties for future piezoelectric energy harvesting applications.

Nanograded artificial nacre with efficient energy dissipation

The renowned mechanical performance of biological ceramics can be attributed to their hierarchical structures, wherein structural features at the nanoscale play a crucial role. However, nanoscale features, such as nanogradients, have rarely been incorporated in biomimetic ceramics because of the challenges in simultaneously controlling the material structure at multiple length scales. Here, we report the fabrication of artificial nacre with graphene oxide nanogradients in its aragonite platelets through a matrix-directed mineralization method. The gradients are formed via the spontaneous accumulation of graphene oxide nanosheets on the surface of the platelets during the mineralization process, which then induces a lateral residual stress field in the platelets. Nanoindentation tests and mercury intrusion porosimetry demonstrate that the material's energy dissipation is enhanced both intrinsically and extrinsically through the compressive stress near the platelet surface. The energy dissipation density reaches 0.159± 0.007 nJ/μm3, and the toughness amplification is superior to that of the most advanced ceramics. Numerical simulations also agree with the finding that the stress field notably contributes to the overall energy dissipation. This work demonstrates that the energy dissipation of biomimetic ceramics can be further increased by integrating design principles spanning multiple scales. This strategy can be readily extended to the combinations of other structural models for the design and fabrication of structural ceramics with customized and optimized performance.