Traditional Ceramic Products Research Articles

Influence of Solid Waste Material Content on the Properties of Steel Slag-Waste Clay Brick Ceramic Bricks

Steel slag and waste clay brick are two common solid wastes in industrial production, and their complex chemical compositions pose challenges to the production of traditional alumina silicate ceramics. To investigate the influence of steel slag and waste clay brick on the performance of CaO–SiO2–MgO ceramic materials, this study examined their effects on the mechanical properties, crystal composition, and microstructure of the ceramics through single-factor experiments. The results demonstrate that when keeping the dosage of waste clay brick and talcum powder constant, a 43% dosage of steel slag yields optimal performance for the ceramic materials with a modulus of rupture of 73.01 MPa and a water absorption rate as low as 0.037%. Similarly, when maintaining a constant dosage of steel slag and talcum powder, a 41% dosage of waste clay brick leads to superior performance of the ceramic materials, with a modulus of rupture reaching 82.17 MPa and a water absorption rate only at 0.071%. Furthermore, when keeping the dosage of steel slag and waste clay brick constant, employing a talcum powder dosage of 24% results in excellent performance for the ceramic materials with a modulus of rupture measuring 73.01 MPa while maintaining an extremely low water absorption rate at only 0.037%. It is noteworthy that steel slag contributes to akermanite phase formation while talcum powder and waste clay brick contribute to diopside phase formation.

Characterization of clays from the Fez area (northern Morocco) for potential uses in the ceramics industry

AbstractClays from the Saïss basin (northern Morocco) used traditionally in the ceramic industry in the Fez area were studied using mineralogical and physicochemical techniques to evaluate their potential suitability as raw materials for ceramics manufacture. X-ray diffraction was used to determine their mineralogical composition. The physical properties determined were particle-size distribution and consistency limits. The chemical composition was determined using X-ray fluorescence analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. The structural changes of the mineral phases in the raw materials during firing were studied over a temperature range of 500–1000°C. In the pottery site from Fez, generally potters use a mixture of 25% fine clay (ARFS) from the upper part of the Miocene marls and 75% sandy clay (ARFR) from the lower part of the Miocene marls. The ARFS clay yielded very rigid specimens after firing that artisan potters would find difficult to handle so as to produce desired shapes and sizes. However, the specimens obtained from ARFR clay show signs of faltering. The mixture of these two clayey materials from this pottery site is therefore necessary to obtain the optimal paste for ceramics purposes. The chemical compositions indicated that SiO2, Al2O3, CaO and Fe2O3 are the major minerals, with trace amounts of K2O and MgO. Quartz, feldspars and clay minerals prevail in all samples. Kaolinite, illite and smectite are the dominant clay mineral phases, with traces of chlorite and interstratified illite–smectite. The classification of these samples using appropriate ternary diagrams showed that the proportions used in the mixture produce a new material with adequate characteristics for the production of traditional ceramics.

Decline of Lanna ceramic group production in northern Thailand (Ban Bo Suak site) confined by radiocarbon and luminescence dating

The Lanna group is a traditional ceramic production style from Southeast Asia, with several kiln sites found distributed all over present northern Thailand. However, its origin and development are considered controversial and chronological constraints are scarce. Applied here are radiocarbon dating to charcoal remains and luminescence dating to ceramics, kiln wall material, and fluvial sediments from the Ban Bo Suak archaeological site near Nan, northern Thailand. The site has been suspected to have been abandoned due to destruction by a flood. Unexpectedly, the ceramic samples lack proper thermoluminescence signal properties and only two samples could be dated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). These ages in combination with published radiocarbon ages point towards a ceramic production around AD 1700. The kiln wall material and fluvial sediments reveal evidence for partial resetting of the OSL signal, which is unexpected for heated material. Supported by some radiocarbon ages, the OSL ages imply a temporal connection between the last use of the kilns and the flood deposits, during the fifteenth century AD. Besides general methodological considerations, the data reported here indicates that while a flood apparently dismantled several kiln sites, this did not stop the production of Lanna style ceramics in the region.

Wine Jars and Jar Makers of Cyprus: The Ethnoarchaeology of Pitharia

Wine Jars and Jar Makers of Cyprus: The Ethnoarchaeology of Pitharia

Advanced Design and Fabrication of Islamic Tile Ceramic Wall Tiles With Indonesian Batik Patterns Using Artistic CAD/CAM and 3D Printing Technology

The ceramic tile wall is a decorative element used inside restaurants, museums, hotels, aristocratic residences, and places of worship. It plays a critical role in the development of a structure with strong personality and unique qualities by providing relief patterns specific to history or era. The demand for distinctive ornamental wall ceramics that can be mass produced with precision and accuracy has been a challenge for numerous ceramic enterprises in Indonesia, which have historically relied on the skills of artistic professionals in a handmaking process. The purpose of this research was therefore to develop and apply a ceramic tile design process that integrates computer design and fabrication methods with traditional ceramic production techniques. Using the ArtCAM 2015R2 software, photos of batik and Islamic themes were effectively converted into a 2.5D computer-aided design model. Additive manufacturing technology was then used in conjunction with Objet30 Pro 3D printer to precisely produce master molds with Islamic nuances such as puzzle and floral patterns, then conventional ceramic fabrication technology was employed to produce ceramic tiles using these molds. By combining computer-aided design and rapid prototyping technologies, a variety of exact and detailed Islamic decorative ceramic wall tiles were produced with dimensional accuracies within 2.00 mm. Furthermore, the proposed approach demonstrated a 90% reduction in design-to-production time from to 10–12 months to roughly 1–1.5 months.

Alkali-activated geopolymerization of a low illitic raw clay and waste brick mixture. An alternative to traditional ceramics

Geopolymerization was investigated as an alternative to traditional ceramic products by developing a more sustainable approach that avoids thermal treatment. The study presents the first known alkali-activation of a raw clay and waste clay brick mixture using the solid to liquid ratios of 2.33 and 2.78. Several experimental sets were prepared to harden under varying conditions (2–4 days drying in 60 °C–70 °C and 3 h steam-curing). Non-activated and activated samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties after 14, 21, and 28 days. The tile-shaped specimens exhibited better initial drying behavior than the cubes and produced stronger materials with fewer cracks. Pre-curing in steam conditions induced higher flexural strength (13.7 MPa) and water absorption (13.13%) for the geopolymer tiles. The highest Si/Al molar ratio in the amorphous portion of 5.78 induced the best flexural strength. The geopolymerization process showed microstructural changes associated with the appearance of fibrous Na-zeolite nanocrystals. Ongoing reactions of amorphization in the bulk material and further crystallization at the surface are documented after 6 months of curing. This first detailed study reveals that the production of geopolymer ceramics from brick waste is possible, but further optimization of the activating solution and curing parameters is required.

Intentional clay-mixing in the production of traditional and ancient ceramics and its identification in thin section

Ethnographic and historical accounts have indicated that traditional potters intentionally mix two or more sources of clay in order to prepare composite pastes for pottery production. It has long been assumed that a such practice also took place in the past, but detecting evidence for clay mixing in ancient ceramic sherds has proved challenging due to thorough blending, as well as the existence of natural heterogeneity within clay sources. Very few detailed studies on clay mixing exist within the fields of ceramic petrography and ancient pottery technology, and both diagnostic criteria and descriptive terminology are therefore poorly defined. The present paper attempts to fill this gap in our knowledge by reviewing the methods of clay mixing from ethnographic sources as well as archaeologists attempts to identify it in thin section. By studying naturally heterogeneous clay under the polarising light microscope and experimentally mixing pastes according to the various methods reported ethnographically, the study attempts to identify possible lines of evidence with which to detect intentional clay mixing in ancient ceramics. These are then applied to archaeological ceramic sherds from a range of periods and geographic regions. The study reaffirms the difficulties in identifying intentional mixing, which can result in a diverse set of compositional and microstructural phenomena that may also occur naturally, and proposes additional criteria with which to distinguish these two processes. It also highlights the overlap between clay mixing and the technological practice of adding non-plastic temper to the clay body.

Research on The Application of Ceramic 3D Printing Technology

Ceramic 3D printing technology is using computer aid design techniques to model and produce ceramic products. The basic principle is through X, Y, Z axis of the ceramic 3D printer displacement layer to create the computer-designed 3D ceramic shape, and combined with traditional pottery hand-made techniques to finally complete it. Analysis and utilize the advantages of ceramic 3D printing technology, in order to inject new vitality into the traditional ceramic production industry.

Research on the Design of Multicolored Ceramic Cultural Creative Products Based on Computer VR Technology

Speaking of my country’s excellent traditional culture, ceramic culture is a very important historical connection point in China’s history. Ceramics are also representative artifacts of Chinese culture. For now, the inheritance and development of ceramic culture is a hot topic in the current academic circles. On this basis, the design of creative products based on multicolored ceramics has also been raised by some ceramic enthusiasts[1]. Now, the rise of computer-based VR technology has also added a lot of color to our lives. On the basis of the design and production process of traditional ceramic products, how to use cutting-edge computer VR technology to assist the design of colorful ceramic cultural creative products to improve the virtual human-computer interaction experience of some ceramic enthusiasts is also some special research. The specific development direction of high-tech companies.

Application of Evolved Gas Analysis Technique for Speciation of Minor Minerals in Clays

Mineralogical characterization of clays used in manufacturing of traditional ceramic products is critical for guarantee the quality of the final product, but also for assessing the environmental impact of the industrial process in terms of atmospheric emissions. In fact, the presence of impurities even in low-level concentrations can have a big impact. So, it is very important to carry out an accurate mineral quantification of those minerals which are related to carbon dioxide and acid emissions (hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide). The development of hyphenated techniques coupling thermal analysis equipment with mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy provides more valuable information and lower limit quantification than other primary techniques, such as X-ray diffraction or infrared spectroscopy. The main objective of this work is to develop an analytical procedure using evolved gas analysis to identify and quantify minerals such as chlorides, sulfides, carbonaceous materials and minor clay minerals. In addition to this, the study includes the analysis of acid emissions during the ceramic firing treatment even if they are present at low quantitative levels. This methodology was applied to reference materials so that it allows the identification of sulfur, chlorine, fluorine and carbonaceous compounds in concentrations lower than 1%.

Potentiality of new dark clay-rich materials for porous ceramic applications in Ouled Sidi Ali Ben Youssef Area (Coastal Meseta, Morocco)

Potential use of raw clayey deposits from El Jadida, Morocco, in the manufacture of traditional ceramic products has been evaluated through a careful sampling and an in-depth characterization of the outcropping features around Ouled Sidi Ali Ben Youssef area (El Jadida city). We collected six representative clay-rich materials (C1–C6) for subsequent analyses by several spectroscopic and mineralogical techniques including physico-chemical, mineralogical, and thermal analyses. Our results revealed high amounts of oxides, mainly SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO and MgO. Those ferruginous clays were found suitable for dark ceramic bodies. Further mineralogical examination confirmed low to medium contents of clay minerals, but subordinated by quartz, calcite, dolomite and plagioclase as the main nonclay minerals. Ternary diagram plots indicated that the studied clays were suitable for structural clay products and clay roofing tiles. C5 sample exhibited the best physico-chemical and mineralogical properties due to its illitic nature (64%), low quartz content (28%), high plasticity index (32) and lower loss on ignition (10.84%). Therefore, C5 clayey sample was selected as a potential candidate to be mixed with expanded perlite (EP) for the production of insulating ceramics. Specimen were prepared from the new mixture (i.e., C5 and EP) by pressing and firing at 1100°C. The obtained ceramic bodies were ascertained by addressing their bulk density, water absorption, shrinkage, bending strength, thermal conductivity, structural and mineralogical properties.

Coal bottom ash use in traditional ceramic production: evaluation of engineering properties and indoor air pollution removal ability

Coal bottom ash (CBA) disposed to landfills causes environmental issues. Thus, we used CBA in traditional clay ceramics that had the triple advantage of consuming troublesome waste, adsorbing volatile organics and being decorative indoors, replacing up to 40% by weight of clay with CBA and firing from 700 to 1300 °C. Clay and CBA mixtures were cast, cured at room temperature for 24 h and fired at several temperatures. Firing temperature impacted linear shrinkage, water absorption and fracture toughness, more strongly than CBA mixing proportion. Above 1000 °C, fracture toughness and water absorption resistance was enhanced but shrinkage increased. However, adding CBA lessened the contraction. SEM confirmed complete sintering as clay particles fused as a rigid solid above 1000 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns of ceramics containing CBA showed crystobalite and labradorite, in addition to quartz, due to flux materials in CBA. Leachability tests showed that the CBA ceramics were not ‘toxic’ on the USEPA TCLP regulatory list. Adsorption of gaseous toluene, a representative indoor pollutant, followed a Freundlich model: CBA made the adsorption sites more homogeneous, reduced the interaction mechanisms on the surfaces and thus the Freundlich exponent. Increased CBA increased toluene adsorption by 2–7 times.

Comparative pottery technology between the Middle Ages and Modern times (Santarém, Portugal)

Combining historical, archaeological and experimental data, traditional and archaeological ceramics, from the Santarem district, with different chronology and functions have been studied. Our aim is to understand ancient pottery technology and to evaluate whether ceramic production followed similar principles in the Middle Ages (from the Islamic to the Christian domination) and Modern times. Moreover, traditional ceramics, knowing the productive process, have been used as a tool to interpret ancient pottery technology. We considered different utilitarian ceramic groups, namely fire, table and food-liquid container wares. Through the combination of optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) with physical and mechanical tests, it has been possible to collect valuable information regarding pottery manufacturing, considering the age and the object function. Moreover, it is also considered the effect of raw materials mixing and ceramic paste preparation on ceramics final characteristics. Our results indicate that both during the Middle Ages and in Modern times, technical expertise played, and still play, a fundamental role in the creation of a specific object. In this specific case, behavioural and socio-cultural factor drove ceramists’ decision when selecting between different technological solutions, and every decision or technical choice is/was taken depending on the functional and performance characteristics desired for a specific artefact. This happened during the Middle Ages, and is still happening nowadays for the production of traditional ceramics in the district of Santarem, Portugal.

Preparation and Performance Study of New Type Steel Slag Ceramic

In this paper, steel slag with chemical components of CaO and S1O2 was used as raw materials to prepare new steel slag ceramic by referring to the traditional ceramic production process, and the vickers hardness and flexural strength were studied. The results show that steel slag can be used as raw material in the preparation of ceramic, with the increase of the content of steel slag, the hardness and flexural strength of steel slag ceramic increase to different degrees.

Effect of AC field on uniaxial viscosity and sintering stress of ceria

The production of traditional and advanced ceramics is an energy-intensive activity, which requires high temperatures and long dwelling times to activate diffusional processes necessary for densification. Electric field assisted processing has received considerable attention recently, due to its potential to significantly reduce the costs of required heat treatments. However, the effect of electric fields on the densification and coarsening of oxide ceramics is still not completely understood, and the mechanisms behind, in particular for fields, are still under debate. The potential influence of electric field on the sintering parameters (uniaxial viscosity and uniaxial sintering stress) and microstructure of polycrystalline yttria doped ceria were studied. Sintering parameters were measured without and with AC electric fields (14 V/cm and 28 V/cm, 50 Hz) which were below the “flash regime”. During all sintering measurements, the sample temperature was adjusted by lowering the furnace temperature according to the temperature measurements using densified samples. Major findings are: (i) The densification behavior is clearly modified by these moderate electric fields, although temperature increase due to macroscopic Joule heating is excluded. (ii) The densification rate remains proportional to the applied stress under electrical fields. (iii) Sintering parameters are significantly affected by the applied electric fields.

Green liquor dregs and slaker grits residues characterization of a pulp and paper mill for future application on ceramic products

Abstract Green liquor dregs and slaker grits are pulp and paper mill residues usually landfilled. Whit high calcium carbonate content, its use as alternative raw materials in traditional ceramic products becomes an interesting study field. In order to evaluate its incorporation potential, the residues characterization with diverse approaches was performed and for the first time reunited exploring this eco-friendly intent. Green liquor dregs and slaker grits were characterized by its chemical and mineralogical composition (XRF, XRD, FT-IR); physical and morphological characteristics (particle size, BET surface area, density, SEM) and thermal properties (TGA). Chemical and mineralogical analysis reveals the high calcium carbonate content in calcite form especially on slaker grits, that has less inorganic and organic contaminants than green liquor dregs. Smaller irregular-shaped particles and bigger surface area was found on this last residue, comparing with slaker grits. The thermal analysis indicated a lower calcite decomposition for green liquor dregs (720 °C), while this event on slaker grits occurred 40 °C above (760 °C). Thus, it was observed the residues behavior and characteristics are much alike calcium carbonate itself, especially slaker grits, considering its composition, morphology and thermal events. As conclusion, the potentiality uses of green liquor dregs and slaker grits as alternative raw materials on ceramic products was revealed. Being able to incorporate clay, concrete, glasses and great majority of other ceramic products, these residues use will generate excellent benefit-cost ratio to industries and environment.

Effect of Electric Field on Uniaxial Viscosity and Sintering Stress of Ceria

The production of traditional and advanced ceramics is an energy-intensive activity, which requires high temperatures and longer dwelling times to activate diffusional processes necessary for densification. Electric field assisted processing has received considerable attention recently, due to its potential to significantly reduce the costs of required heat treatments. However, the effect of electric fields on the densification and coarsening of oxide ceramics still not completely understood, and the mechanisms behind, in particular for fields, are still under debate. The potential influence of electric field on the sintering parameters (uniaxial viscosity and uniaxial sintering stress) and microstructure of polycrystalline yttria doped ceria were studied. Sintering parameters were measured without and with AC electric fields (14 V/cm and 28 V/cm, 50 Hz) which were below the flash regime. During all sintering measurements, the sample temperature was adjusted by lowering the furnace temperature according to the temperature measurements using densified samples. Major findings are: (i) The densification behavior is clearly modified by these moderate electric fields, although temperature increase due to macroscopic Joule heating is excluded. (ii) The densification rate remains proportional to the applied stress under electrical fields. (iii) Sintering parameters are significantly affected by the applied electric fields.

Incorporation of quartzite waste in mixtures used to prepare sanitary ware

Quartzite is a mineral that contains oxides that are present in the principal raw materials utilized in traditional ceramic production. However, during its extraction and processing, large amounts of waste are generated. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the incorporation of quartzite waste into the ceramic mass, replacing up to 25% of the feldspar by weight. Both, the waste and the conventional raw materials (clay, feldspar, quartz, and kaolin) were characterized. The compositions were formulated based on common industrial products. Suspensions were prepared to evaluate pH and deflocculant content. The specimens were produced using the slip casting process, dried, and fired at 1200°C. The ceramic masses containing up to 15% waste had yield strength values greater than 35MPa, water absorption in the 0.5% range and shrinkage from firing within the range recommended for sanitary ware manufacture. It was concluded that the quartzite waste can partially replace, up to 15wt%, the feldspar in ceramics for sanitary ware production.

Recent Publications on Archaeological Ceramic Analyses and their Contributions to the Study of Ancient Pottery Technology

Recent Publications on Archaeological Ceramic Analyses and their Contributions to the Study of Ancient Pottery Technology

Elaboration of ceramic material with sludge from the wastewater treatment plant of the tomato processing industry

The tomato processing industry generates huge quantities of sludge annually (1.5% of the tomato) which represents an environmental problem, especially in the large producing areas such as Extremadura in Spain. The substitution of clayey raw materials for other wastes, in this case tomato sewage sludge, in the production of traditional ceramics, could be cost-effective from the utilization and recycling of these wastes as a secondary raw material. Different quantities of sewage sludge from the tomato processing industry have been added to the body of the clay to produce ceramic materials. It has achieved a ceramic material with greater porosity to improve its thermal and acoustic insulation capacity.