Differential Thermal Analysis Research Articles

Optimization of Biodiesel Production Process Using MoO3 Catalysts and Residual Oil: A Comprehensive Experimental 23 Study

The study aimed to utilize MoO3 catalysts, produced on a pilot scale via combustion reaction, to produce biodiesel from residual oil. Optimization of the process was conducted using a 23 experimental design. Structural characterization of the catalysts was performed through X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and particle size distribution analyses. At the same time, thermal properties were examined via thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. Catalytic performance was assessed following process optimization. α-MoO3 exhibited a monophasic structure with orthorhombic phase, whereas α/h-MoO3 showed a biphasic structure. α-MoO3 had a larger crystallite size and higher crystallinity, with thermal stability observed up to certain temperatures. X-ray fluorescence confirmed molybdenum oxide predominance in the catalysts, with traces of iron oxide. Particle size distribution analyses revealed polymodal distributions attributed to structural differences. Both catalysts demonstrated activity under all conditions tested, with ester conversions ranging from 93% to 99%. The single-phase catalyst had a long life cycle and was reusable for six biodiesel production cycles. The experimental design proved to be predictive and significant, with the type of catalyst being the most influential variable. Optimal conditions included α-MoO3 catalyst, oil/alcohol ratio of 1/15, and a reaction time of 60 min, resulting in high biodiesel conversion rates and showcasing the viability of MoO3 catalysts in residual oil biodiesel production.

Assessing the influence of autumnal temperature fluctuations on cold hardiness in different grapevine cultivars: variations across vine age and bud positions

The dynamic fluctuations in autumn temperatures, particularly the marked diurnal variations and the subsequent precipitous drops are key and a pivotal role in viticulture, as they critically influence the acclimation process of grapevines to cold, thereby directly impacting their survival and productivity in cold-climate regions. In this comprehensive study, we investigated the cold hardiness of four grapevine cultivars: ‘Itasca’, ‘Frontenac’, ‘La Crescent’, and ‘Marquette’, focusing on how these cultivars and their individual buds (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) respond to fluctuating weather and low temperatures typical of autumn [-1.1°C (30°F) -9.4°C (15°F) and -17.8°C (0°F)]. Our results illuminated the striking variability in cold hardiness that was manifest not only among the different cultivars but also within individual buds on the same vine, underscoring the critical influence of bud position on a vine for cold hardiness. ‘Frontenac’ showed greater cold hardiness at critical temperatures at which 10%, and 50% of the dormant buds were lethally affected by cold (LT10 and LT50) compared to ‘Itasca’ and ‘La Crescent’, with ‘Marquette’ exhibiting intermediate values. However, in cultivars such as ‘Itasca’ and ‘Marquette’, certain buds demonstrated a pronounced hardiness when faced with colder temperatures, while others exhibited a heightened sensitivity, thereby revealing a nuanced interplay between bud position and a vine’s ability to withstand cold stress. Our study revealed a notable divergence from traditional viticulture understanding; apical buds demonstrated greater cold hardiness than basal buds and opened new paths for research into grapevine physiology. Our results also indicated a significant trend wherein older vines across all studied cultivars displayed enhanced cold hardiness, particularly pronounced at the critical LT50 and the critical temperature at which 90% of the dormant buds were lethally affected by cold (LT90) thresholds, in comparison to younger vines. Moreover, our findings shed light on the impact of autumn’s diurnal temperature variations and the subsequent drop in temperatures on vine cold hardiness, thus highlighted the complex interplay between environmental temperature dynamics and dormant bud hardiness. In conclusion, our study showed that the cold damage observed in grapevines in North Dakota was not a result of extreme temperature fluctuations in the fall. This was confirmed by testing the vines after they had reached various threshold temperatures through differential thermal analysis (DTA) and optical differential nucleation and expansion analysis (ODNEAL) methodologies, particularly before the onset of severe pre-winter cold conditions. These comprehensive findings highlighted the complexity of the vine’s response to climatic conditions and viticultural management, pointing to the need for specific strategies in vineyard management and cultivar selection to optimize bud hardiness and productivity in the face of various environmental challenges, especially in cold climate viticulture.

The quasi-binary phase diagrams of R 2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) systems

Abstract The phase relations of the R 2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) pseudobinary systems have been investigated by using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The X-ray powder diffraction results show that continuous solid solutions were formed in this R 2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) pseudobinary systems, and all (R , Ce)2Fe14B solid solutions belong to the tetragonal structure with space group P42/mnm. With the increase in Ce content, the lattice parameters a, c, the peritectic reaction temperatures of the (R, Ce)2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) solid solutions decrease linearly, and the cell volume V varies in the form of the regression line. Based on the X-ray powder diffraction results and differential thermal analysis data, the quasi-binary phase diagrams of the R 2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) systems have been established.

Conductive polypyrrole: synthesis, characterization, thermal, and electrical properties for different applications

Pyrrole monomer (mPPy) in an aqueous solution was used to create the conductive polymer polypyrrole (a homo-PPy) using a chemical oxidative polymerization process over a period of several hours at room temperature. Ferric chloride (FeCl3) oxidant was used, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (C12H25NaO4S), a surfactant. The produced PPy samples were characterized using a variety of methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Differential Thermal analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images revealed that nanoparticles of a homo-PPy with radii of 60–90 nm were well evenly distributed in the structure. The thermal stability and electrical conductivity of homo-PPy nanoparticles were observed to rise with a solvent ethylene glycol. As temperature rises, the conductivity of homo-PPy samples is significantly raised, and electrical conductivities ranging from.0.44 to 2.2 (Ω.m)−1. Results from FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the structural formation of a homo-polypyrrole during synthesis from pyrrole monomer. Because of their improved electrical conductivity and thermal stability, homo-PPy nanoparticles have potential applications in energy storage, adsorption and contamination elimination, electromagnetic protection, and resistance to corrosion.

Preparation of a Gradient Anti-Oxidation Coating for Aircraft C/C Composite Brake Disc and Its High-Temperature In Situ Self-Healing Performance

We studied a gradient anti-oxidation coating of C/C composite materials for aircraft brake discs with a simple process and low costs. The gradient coating consists of two layers, of which the inner layer is prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (Si (OC2H5)4), C2H5OH, H3PO4 and B4C, and the outer layer is prepared with Na2B4O7.10H2O, B2O3, and SiO2 powder. The experimental results show that after being oxidized at 700 °C for 15 h, the oxidation weight loss of the sample with the coating was only −0.17%. At the same time, after 50 thermal cycles in air at 900 °C, the sample’s oxidation weight loss was only −0.06%. We conducted the 1:1 dynamic simulation test for aircraft brake discs, and the brake disc did not oxidize, thus meeting the requirements for aircraft use. In addition, the anti-oxidation mechanism of the coating was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DSC-TGA), and high-temperature in situ SEM.

On Tautomerism and Amphoterism: An In-Depth Structural and Physicochemical Characterization of Ammeline and Some of Its Salts.

Ammeline is a simple, readily available, molecular compound, which has been known for nearly 200 years. Despite that, no proper structural characterization of ammeline has been conducted so far. For this reason, the prevalent tautomeric form of ammeline in the solid remained unknown to this date. In the course of this study, its crystal structure was finally established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In this structure, ammeline is exclusively found as its 4,6‑diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-one tautomer and adopts layered structure with an exceptionally high hydrogen bond density. Ammeline shows an interesting amphoteric behavior. Therefore, the synthesis and structural characterization of some of its salts were carried out to investigate the influence of the protonation degree on its molecular structure. In particular, the crystal structure of silver ammelinate monohydrate was solved as the first reported structure containing deprotonated ammeline. Moreover, the crystal structures of three different modifications of ammelinium perchlorate were elucidated and the transformation conditions between them were studied. Lastly, the crystal structure of ammelinediium diperchlorate monohydrate, containing unprecedented doubly protonated ammeline, was determined. The products' thermal behavior was studied by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The perchlorate salts were additionally examined for their potential as insensitive high-energy-density materials.

On Tautomerism and Amphoterism: An In‐Depth Structural and Physicochemical Characterization of Ammeline and Some of Its Salts

Ammeline is a simple, readily available, molecular compound, which has been known for nearly 200 years. Despite that, no proper structural characterization of ammeline has been conducted so far. For this reason, the prevalent tautomeric form of ammeline in the solid remained unknown to this date. In the course of this study, its crystal structure was finally established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In this structure, ammeline is exclusively found as its 4,6‑diamino‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2(1H)‐one tautomer and adopts layered structure with an exceptionally high hydrogen bond density. Ammeline shows an interesting amphoteric behavior. Therefore, the synthesis and structural characterization of some of its salts were carried out to investigate the influence of the protonation degree on its molecular structure. In particular, the crystal structure of silver ammelinate monohydrate was solved as the first reported structure containing deprotonated ammeline. Moreover, the crystal structures of three different modifications of ammelinium perchlorate were elucidated and the transformation conditions between them were studied. Lastly, the crystal structure of ammelinediium diperchlorate monohydrate, containing unprecedented doubly protonated ammeline, was determined. The products’ thermal behavior was studied by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The perchlorate salts were additionally examined for their potential as insensitive high‐energy‐density materials.

Enhancing the Analysis of Eu3+ Photoluminescence in Coordination Compounds in the Solid State by Determining their Refractive Index

AbstractThis study is focused on determining the refractive index as a crucial parameter for evaluating the intrinsic quantum yield and the ligand sensitisation efficiency in solid‐state trivalent lanthanide coordination compounds. For this, eight trivalent europium complexes with phenyl‐terpyridine ([EuX3(ptpy)(L)], X=Cl− or NO3−, ptpy=4′‐phenyl‐2,2′ : 6′,2′′‐terpyridine, L=H2O or other molecules) were examined. Their refractive indices were determined using the Becke lines test by immersing transparent material in a series of media with known refractive indices. Using the set of media presented here, determining crystalline materials′ refractive indices from 1.41 to 1.73 with a step of 0.01 is possible. Assessment of the refractive indices of the complexes mentioned above allowed a comprehensive analysis of their photophysical properties in the solid state. Moreover, this method can be extrapolated for other solid‐state materials, offering valuable insights in the broader field of photophysics. In addition to photoluminescence investigations, the compounds presented were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Hirschfeld surface area analysis, UV‐Vis reflectance spectroscopy, hydrolysis sensitivity analysis, and simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis coupled with mass‐spectrometry (STA‐MS).

Preparation of orodispersible tablets of bosentan using xylitol and menthol as dissolution enhancers

Bosentan is a drug used to treat pulmonary hypertension via dual endothelial receptor antagonism. Bosentan has a restricted oral bioavailability, a problem that's mostly due to poor solubility and hepatic metabolism. It is extensively used for the elderly and children who require a friendly dosage form like orodispersible tablets. So, the goal of this research work was to hasten the dissolution rate of bosentan to produce an orodispersible tablet with immediate drug release. Bosentan was exposed to ethanol-assisted kneading with a rise of xylitol or menthol concentrations (1:1 and 1:2 molar ratio of bosentan with excipient). In addition to observing the dissolution behavior, the resulting dry products were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The FTIR reflected possible hydrogen bonding with xylitol and menthol. DSC studies reflected a reduction in the enthalpy and Tm. These results with XRD data reflected partial co-amorphization in the case of xylitol and eutaxia in the case of menthol. These modifications were related to an accelerated dissolving rate. The developed systems were fabricated as orodispersible tablets which exhibited immediate release of bosentan. Thus, the current study offered simple co-processing for the preparation of orodispersible bosentan tablets.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE PHASE EQUILIBRIA IN THE SnTe–Sb2Te3–Te SYSTEM

Phase equilibria of the SnTe–Sb2Te3–Te portion of the Sn–Sb–Te ternary system have been experimentally investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and microstructural analysis methods. Based on the measured experimental results and literature information, isothermal sections at 500 K, liquidus surface projection, and several vertical sections of the phase diagram were plotted. The 500 K phase diagram of this system consists of 2 single-phase regions, 2 two-phase regions, and 3 three-phase regions. The liquidus surface projection is represented by the primary crystallization fields of 5 phases. The primary crystallization fields of all phases, the types, and coordinates of non- and monovariant equilibria were determined. Obtained experimental data can be valuable input for design for Sn–Sb–Te-based alloys

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF QUARTZ SAND AND TECHNOLOGICAL WASTE USED AS A MAIN RAW MATERIAL FOR GLASS PRODUCTION

The composition and structure of Sherobod quartz sand and man-made waste were fully investigated using chemical, scanning electron microscope, X-ray, infrared spectroscopic and differential thermal analysis methods. It was found that the content of lead and manganese oxides in Handiza lead concentrate and manganese waste is 25 - 26 %, respectively, and silicon oxide in Sherabad quartz sand is more than 80 %. According to the results of chemical and physico-chemical analyzes of Sherabad quartz sand and man-made waste, it was found that they can be added as glass components by cleaning them from various additives.

Evaluation of the Combustion Properties and Catalytic Activity of MgAlB Energetic Ternary Particles

ABSTRACT Boron powder possesses significant potential for use as a combustible agent in energetic materials, owing to its superior combustion thermodynamic properties. However, the powder’s tendency to form an oxide layer on its surface results in delayed ignition, reduced combustion efficiency, and compromised energy advantage. To enhance the ignition and combustion properties of boron powder, we prepared boron-based energetic composites containing flammable metals (MgxAl1-xB2) through high-temperature sintering. These were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The combustion heat of these alloy powders were measured using an oxygen bomb calorimeter, while their catalytic performance on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results indicate that compared with boron, the MgxAl1-xB2 powders are more flammable, require less oxygen, exhibit a higher combustion efficiency and exothermic advantage. Especially, the Mg0.9Al0.1B2 and MgB2 alloy exhibit optimal combustion heat values of 39,094.92 and 37,693.90 J·g−1, respectively. They significantly enhance the thermal decomposition of AP and reduce the activation energy by over 20%.

Coupled phase diagram study and thermodynamic modeling of the Na2O-B2O3-ZnO system

The Phase diagram of ternary Na2O-B2O3-ZnO system was investigated for the first time using the classical equilibration/quenching method and differential thermal analysis followed by the phase analysis using the Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The isothermal phase diagrams of this ternary system at 900, 1000 and 1100 °C were determined, and the melting temperatures of two ternary compounds were investigated using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). The thermodynamic modeling of ternary Na2O-B2O3-ZnO system was carried out based on the present ternary phase diagram data and the optimized model parameters of binary systems. Thermodynamic models with optimized model parameters were used to predict the phase diagram of the ternary Na2O-B2O3-ZnO system.

Engineering Antibacterial Tannic Acid/Polyethyleneimine Coatings on Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramics for Dental Applications

This study introduces an innovative approach to enhance the antibacterial properties of lithium disilicate glass ceramics, widely used in dental restorations. We explored the efficacy of tannic acid (TA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as coating agents, capitalizing on a robust defense against microbial colonization and biofilm formation. We employed various analytical techniques, including differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to characterize the physical, chemical, and antibacterial properties of the TA/PEI coated glass-ceramics. Results indicated a notable improvement in the mechanical properties, such as Weibull modulus, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of the coated samples. Moreover, the TA/PEI coatings displayed superior thermal stability and effective leaching behavior in different pH, pertinent to dental applications. Significantly, the TA/PEI coatings exhibited high antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria, making them promising candidates for enhancing the bioactivity of dental restorative materials. This study lays the foundation for developing advanced antibacterial coatings for dental applications, aiming to improve patient outcomes in dental care.

QUANTUM CHEMICAL, VIBRATIONAL, MICROHARDNESS, THERMAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL STUDIES ON POLYMORPHIC DRUG CRYSTAL: SULFANILAMIDE (β-form)

The widely known pharmaceutical drug compound, Sulfanilamide, crystallized in the β-form of its polymorphic phases by slow evaporation of the parent solution at room temperature. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study provided information about the cell parameters, confirming the β-phase of the compound. Optimization of the molecule by quantum chemical computations, viz., Hartree-Fock (HF) Theory and Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the B3LYP function with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set for both in restricted methods were carried out. The Frontier Molecular Orbital studies gave the HOMO and LUMO values, and Mulliken charge analysis showed the possible charge delocalization and donor-acceptor sites. Vibrational bands of the functional groups present in the β-Sulfanilamide compound were identified and investigated using FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy in the range of 4000-400 cm−1. The grown crystal was transparent in the entire UV region with a lower cut off wavelength of 241nm as investigated by the UV-Vis-NIR analysis. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses of the compound were carried out and the results were plotted as TGA/DTA graph. Microhardness tests were used to determine the mechanical parameters of this pharmaceutical compound. Sulfanilamide, a well-known antibacterial agent and used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, was tested using the zone inhibition method and the antibacterial activity was confirmed.

Heavily vanadium-doped LiFePO4 olivine as electrode material for Li-ion aqueous rechargeable batteries

Since LiFePO4 batteries play a major role in the transition to safe, more affordable and sustainable energy production, numerous strategies have been applied to modify LFP cathode, with the aim of improving its electrochemistry. In this contribution, a highly vanadium-doped LiFe0.9V0.1PO4/C composite (LFP/C-10V) is synthesized using the glycine combustion method and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetry Differential Thermal Analysis (TGDTA) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). It is shown that 10wt.% of vanadium can substitute Fe positions, thus decreasing unit cell volume, which is followed by generation of Li3V2PO4 traces, as detected by CV. High vanadium doping does not change the carbon content in the composite (≈13 wt%) but improves its electronic conductivity and electrochemical performance in both aqueous and organic electrolytes. The reversibility and current response are increasing following the trend: LFP/C, LFP/C -3mol%V, LFP/C - 5 mol % and LFP/C-10 mol %. The best specific capacity is obtained for the most highly doped olivine, which exhibits a reversible process at 1 mV s−1 in an aqueous electrolyte, thus showing a peak-to-peak distance of 56 mV. The high capacity of LFPC-10V is measured in both LiNO3 and NaNO3 electrolytes amounting to around 100 mAh g−1 at 20 mV s−1. Still, the material is only stable in LiNO3 electrolyte, making it more suitable for Li than Na-ion aqueous rechargeable batteries.

Polymer System Based on Polyethylene Glycol and TFE Telomers for Producing Films with Switchable Wettability.

Today a lot of attention is paid to the formation of thermosensitive systems for biomedical and industrial applications. The development of new methods for synthesis of such systems is a dynamically developing direction in chemistry and materials science. In this regard, this paper presents results of the studies of a new synthesized supramolecular polymer system based on polyethylene glycol and tetrafluoroethylene telomers. The films formed from the polymer substance have the property of switching wettability depending on temperature after heating activation. It has been established that the wettability changes at 60 °C. The contact angle of activated hydrophobic polymer film reaches 143°. Additionally, the system exhibits its properties regardless of the pH of the environment. Based on data obtained by the methods of infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis and thermal analysis in conjunction with wettability and morphology, a model of the behavior of molecules in a polymer system was built that ensures switching of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface state. The resulting polymer system, as well as films based on it, can be used in targeted drug delivery, implantation surgery, as sensors, etc.

Synthesis of substituted heterocyclic with their cobalt(Ⅱ) complexes from 2-amino- thiazoles and evaluation of their biological activity

In this research, acetophenone and thiourea reacted in the presence of iodine to produce 2-amino-4-phenylthiazoles (1, 2). These compounds were then used in three different reactions to create substituted Schiff-bases (3-5) by further reactions with substituted benzaldehyde. To produce thiazole, they were first reacted with sodium azide (6). After adding maleic anhydride, they interacted with thioglycolic acid to yield oxazepine (7), and lastly, thiazolidine (8). The synthesised compounds (1-8) were confirmed to have their structures clarified by CHNS and spectroscopic methods such as infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. After being produced (1-4, 6-8), these compounds were used in 2:1 ratio reaction with CoCl2.6H2O to generate cobalt complexes (9-15). These complexes' magnetic characteristics, thermal analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were investigated. Several produced compounds were also tested against the growth of four different types of bacteria. KEY WORDS: Schiff-bases, Thiazole, Oxazepine, Thiazolidine, Cobalt complexes Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(4), 909-922. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i4.8

Effect of Ball Milling Conditions on the Microstructure and Dehydrogenation Behavior of TiH2 Powder

This study investigated the effects of revolution speed and ball size in planetary milling on the microstructure and dehydrogenation behavior of TiH2 powder. The particle size analysis showed that the large particles present in the raw powder were effectively refined as the revolution speed increased, and when milled at 500 rpm, the median particle size was 1.47 m. Milling with a mixture of balls of two or three sizes was more effective in refining the raw powder than milling with balls of a single size. A mixture of 3-mm and 5-mm-diameter balls was the optimal condition for particle refinement, and the measured median particle size was 0.71 m. The dependence of particle size on revolution speed and ball size was explained by changes in input energy and the number of contact points of the balls. In the milled powder, the endothermic peak measured using differential thermal analysis was observed at a relatively low temperature. This finding was interpreted as the activation of a dehydrogenation reaction, mainly due to the increase in the specific surface area and the concentration of lattice defects.

Mineralogical Characterization of Raw Clay from Rujište (Serbia) Used in Traditional Pottery Manufacture

The pottery produced from the Rujište deposit in Serbia has been protected under the guidance of UNESCO and the Sector for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia since 2019. A study was conducted to evaluate the mineralogical characteristics of the raw clay from this deposit. This study used various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to characterize the clay. This study found that the clay contained mostly clay minerals (56.3%–41.9%), with illite, smectite, and chlorite as the predominant phases. Other phases identified were quartz, feldspars, carbonates, and iron-bearing minerals (43.8%–58.1%). The chemical analyses revealed a high abundance of silica (>52 wt.%) and alumina (~16 wt.%), with Fe2O3 (~6 wt.%), K2O (~2.8 wt.%), and a similar content of MgO as the main constituents. The physical features that were investigated included the granulometry (clay: ~31%–44%, silt: ~ 26%–23%, and sand: ~ 42%–32%), specific surface area (97 to 107 m2 g−1), cation exchange capacity (12.5–13.7 mmol 100 g−1), and color (yellowish to moderate brown). The preliminary results suggest that most of the raw clay from the Rujište deposit might be suitable for use in traditional pottery manufacture.