Slip Casting Technique Research Articles

Migration and retention of human osteosarcoma cells in bioceramic graft with open channel architecture designed for bone tissue engineering

The microstructure of a porous bioceramic bone graft, especially the pore architecture, plays a crucial role in the performance of the graft. Conventional bioceramic grafts typically feature a random, closed-pore structure, limiting biological activity to the periphery of the graft. This can lead to delay in full integration with the host site. Bioceramic forms with open through pores can perform better because their inner regions are accessible for natural bone remodeling. This study explores the influence of open through pores in a bioceramic graft on the migration and retention of the local cellsin vitro, which will correlate to the rate of healingin vivo.Hydroxyapatite ceramic forms with aligned channels were fabricated using slip casting technique, employing sacrificial fibers. The sorption characteristics across the graft were evaluated using human osteosarcoma cell line. Seven-day cultures showed viable cells within the channels, confirmed by live/dead assay, scanning electron microscope analysis, and cytoskeletal staining, indicating successful cell colonization. The channel architecture effectively enhances cell migration and retention throughout its entire structure, suggesting potential applications in bone tissue engineering based on the results obtained.

Utilization of Slip Casting Process for Recycling CAD/CAM Dental Zirconia Wastes

This study aimed to find the ideal parameters for shaping waste zirconia powders from dental laboratories using the slip-casting process. Additionally, the qualities of ceramic products created in this manner were evaluated using microstructural characterization and physical-mechanical tests. Various dental laboratories provided the waste CAD/CAM zirconia powder used in the investigation. Wastes in powder form were first calcined. Afterward, an attritor mill was used to grind the grain size until it was usable, following the completion of the grain size distribution analysis. Waste and commercial zirconia powders were combined using various dispersants to create slip-casting slurries. The rheological characteristics of these slurries were then ascertained. By evaluating the rheological properties of slip-casting slurries prepared in this way, the most suitable casting parameters were determined, and ceramic products were formed by slip-casting technique from the slurries to be prepared in accordance with these parameters. The shaped samples were dried and sintered at two different temperatures, 1400-1450°C, and samples were designed for physical, mechanical, and microstructural characterization. The pore percentages, bulk densities, and water absorption of the sintered samples, according to Archimedes’ principle, as well as their strengths, were determined by the three-point bending strength test. Phase analysis was performed with XRD (X-ray diffractometer) microstructure studies with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). It has been concluded that waste zirconia can be used in dental applications.

The investigation of the physical properties of an electrical porcelain insulator manufactured from locally sourced materials

Abstract The work aims to evaluate the effect of temperature and composition on the physical properties of ceramic electrical porcelain insulators, produced from locally sourced materials in Nigeria. The basic raw materials of triaxial porcelain (Kaolin, feldspar, and quartz) were pulverized, milled for 22 h, and sieved using a 200 μm mesh size. The chemical composition and characterization of the raw materials were obtained using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The mixtures were formulated using sodium silicate as a deflocculant to help produce the ceramic porcelain samples. The green samples were weighed and fired at temperatures of 1200 °C and 1250 °C. The samples were subjected to 1 h of boiling plus 2 h of soaking. The slip casting technique was used in the production of porcelain insulators. The linear shrinkage, water absorbance, apparent porosity, and bulk density were measured and studied as a function of firing temperature. The apparent porosity and water absorption decreased as the firing temperature increased. The bulk density increased gradually from 1200 °C to 1250 °C and the percentage of moisture remained fairly unaffected by the temperature increase. The linear shrinkage was also found to increase as the firing temperature increased. Despite having the same composition, the average physical properties of the locally manufactured insulators revealed that those manufactured at higher temperatures provided a better insulating effect than those manufactured at lower temperatures. In other words, it shows that excellent ceramic porcelain insulators can be manufactured from locally sourced materials using the appropriate composition and firing temperature.

Fabrication of a Zircon Microfiltration Membrane for Culture Medium Sterilization

Multilayer ceramic membranes to be used for bacteria removal by filtration were prepared from ceramic materials. They consist of a macro-porous carrier, an intermediate layer and a thin separation layer at the top. Tubular and flat disc supports were prepared from silica sand and calcite (natural raw materials), using extrusion and uniaxial pressing methods, respectively. Making use of the slip casting technique, the silica sand intermediate layer and the zircon top-layer were deposited on the supports, in this order. The particle size and the sintering temperature for each layer were optimized to achieve a suitable pore size for the deposition of the next layer. Morphology, microstructures, pore characteristics, strength and permeability were also studied. Filtration tests were conducted to optimize the permeation performance of the membrane. Experimental results show that the total porosity and average pore size of the porous ceramic supports sintered at different temperatures within the range (1150-1300 °C), and lie in the ranges of 44-52% and 5-30 μm, respectively. For the ZrSiO4 top-layer, after firing at 1190 °C, a typical average pore size of about 0.3 μm and a thickness of about 70 μm were measured, while water permeability is estimated to a value of 440 lh-1m-2bar-1. Finally, the optimized membranes were tested in the sterilization of a culture medium. Filtration results show the efficiency of the zircon-deposited membranes for bacteria removal; indeed, the growth medium was found to be free of all microorganisms.

Performance of Fuel Electrode-Supported Tubular Protonic Ceramic Cells Prepared through Slip Casting and Dip-Coating Methods

Fuel electrode-supported tubular protonic ceramic cells (FETPCCs) based on the BaZr0.4Ce0.4Y0.15Zn0.05O3−δ (BZCYZ) membrane electrolyte was fabricated through a two-step method, in which the polyporous electrode-support tube was prepared with a traditional slip casting technique in a plaster mold, and the BZCYZ membrane was produced by a dip-coating process on the outside surface of the electrode-support tube. The dense thin-film electrolyte of BZCYZ with a thickness of ~25 μm was achieved by cofiring the fuel electrode support and electrolyte membrane at 1450 °C for 6 h. The electrochemical performances of the FETPCCs were tested under different solid oxide cell modes. In protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC) mode, the peak power densities of the cell reached 151–191 mW·cm−2 at 550–700 °C and exhibited relatively stable performance during continuous operation over 100 h at 650 °C. It was found that the major influence on the performance of tubular PCFC was the resistance and cathode current collectors. Additionally, in protonic ceramic electrolysis cell (PCEC) mode, the current densities of 418–654 mA·cm−2 were obtained at 600–700 °C with the applied voltage of 2.0 V when exposed to 20% CO2–80% H2 and 3% H2O/air. Using distribution of relaxation time analysis, the electrolytic rate-limiting step of the PCEC model was determined as the adsorption and dissociation of the gas on the electrode surface.

Dense m-Li2ZrO3 formed by aqueous slip casting technique: Colloidal and rheological characterization

An aqueous colloidal processing method was proposed to prepare m-Li2ZrO3 bodies, with high green density and a homogenous microstructure, employing a pressureless forming technique. For this purpose, the preparation conditions of m-Li2ZrO3 aqueous suspensions were optimized considering colloidal processing variables, such as milling time (0–40 min), dispersant concentration (1–10 wt% of the solids content) and maximum solid loading (41–74 wt%). Particle size distributions and steady-state flow curves of the slips were analyzed, together with phase composition and microstructure of the ceramic bodies. The results show that after planetary ball milling for 30 min, the aqueous suspension with 63.1 wt% of m-Li2ZrO3, and a dispersant content equal to 10 wt% of the solid loading, yielded green bodies with bulk densities close to 66% TD by slip casting. Then, after the heat treatment process at 1100 °C for 12 h, bulk densities close to 88% TD were achieved. It was found that density values and microstructure of the green and sintered products bear a direct relationship to the particle size and the consistency of the slips.

Structure and Spectral Luminescence Properties of (ZrO2)0.909(Y2O3)0.09(Eu2O3)0.001 Ceramics Synthesized by Uniaxial Compaction and Slip Casting.

The structure, phase composition and spectral luminescence properties of single crystal and ceramic specimens of (ZrO2)0.909(Y2O3)0.09(Eu2O3)0.001 solid solutions synthesized using uniaxial compaction and slip casting techniques have been compared. The ceramic specimens have been synthesized from crushed single crystal specimens of similar composition. It has been shown that the crystalline structures of the ceramic and single crystal specimens are identical and cubic. The ceramic specimens synthesized using different methods prove to have close microstructure patterns. The spectral luminescence properties of Eu3+ ions in the (ZrO2)0.909(Y2O3)0.09(Eu2O3)0.001 ceramic specimens are similar to those of the single crystals with similar composition. The (ZrO2)0.909(Y2O3)0.09(Eu2O3)0.001 ceramic specimens prove to have uncontrolled Cr3+:Al2O3 impurities due to the synthesis conditions.

Recent progress on low-cost ceramic membrane for water and wastewater treatment

Great progress in the development of low-cost ceramic membranes from alternative materials have been achieved recently towards various application especially water and wastewater treatment. However, their significance has not been fully recognized and understood especially in term of their microstructural analysis such as formation of grain growth and microcracks. This review paper summarizes fabrication method, alternative materials, microstructure, wettability, mechanical properties and application of low-cost ceramic membrane. The fabrication method including slip casting, tape casting, extrusion, pressing method and phase inversion technique are described. Alternative materials used in low-cost ceramic membrane fabrication are discussed and categorized into clays, agricultural waste, industrial waste and animal bone waste. The mechanisms of morphology formation, microstructure and wettability properties are analysed. Modification strategies for the surface of low-cost ceramic membrane are discussed, and classified into modification for separation application, modification for photocatalytic application and modification for membrane distillation and membrane contactor system. Modification improves the membrane structure by changing the pore size, porosity and wettability properties of low-cost ceramic membranes. Mechanical properties of low-cost ceramic membranes are also discussed in detail towards several mechanism, like grain growth phenomenon and formation of microcracks which also considered as membrane defects. Grain growth phenomenon can be divided into normal and abnormal grain growth. Meanwhile, formation of microcracks could be occurred in single-phase polycrystalline ceramics that have anisotropic grains or biphasic polycrystalline grains. The application of low-cost ceramic membrane in seawater desalination, oily wastewater treatment, heavy metal adsorption, textile separation and photocatalytic application are reviewed. Finally, some possible opportunities and challenges for further development of low-cost ceramic membrane are pointed out.

Effect of Boron Oxide Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Slip Cast Fused Silica

Boron Oxide (B2O3) was doped in fused silica using slip casting technique. Effects of addition of B2O3on mechanical as well as dielectric properties along with microstructure were studied. It was observed that B2O3acts as devitrification inhibitor by reducing the formation of cristobalite content during sintering of fused silica. Mechanical properties were improved by addition of B2O3. Density and flexural strength with (3% by weight) addition of B2O3was 1.89 g/cc and 52MPa respectively.

Gas Sensors Based on Porous Ceramic Bodies of MSnO3 Perovskites (M = Ba, Ca, Zn): Formation and Sensing Properties towards Ethanol, Acetone, and Toluene Vapours.

In this work, the gas-sensing functionality of porous ceramic bodies formed by the slip casting technique was studied using perovskite nanoparticles of an MSnO3 system (M = Ba, Ca, Zn) synthesized by a chemical route. The performance and reliability of the sensitive materials in the presence of different volatile organic compounds (acetone, ethanol, and toluene), and other gases (CO, H2 and NO2) were analysed. The ZnSnO3, BaSnO3, and CaSnO3 sensors showed sensitivities of 40, 16, and 8% ppm−1 towards acetone, ethanol, and toluene vapours, respectively. Good repeatability and selectivity were also observed for these gaseous analytes, as well as excellent stability for a period of 120 days. The shortest response times were recorded for the ZnSnO3 sensors (e.g., 4 s for 80 ppm acetone) with marked responses to low concentrations of acetone (1000 ppb). These results are attributed to the porosity of the sensitive materials, which favours the diffusion of gases, induces surface defects, and provides greater surface area and good sensitivity to acetone, as is seen in the case of ZnSnO3.

African Arts — Global Conversations

African Arts — Global Conversations

Development of Sugarcane Bagasse Reinforced Onibode Clay Composite for Engineering Applications

The quest to address the environmental pollution effect posed by agro-waste by way of turning them into useful materials for engineering applications is the motivation for this research work. In this study, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) reinforced Onibode clay composite was developed via slip casting technique. Clay samples from Onibode, Ogun state, Nigeria was collected at depth of 5 meters beneath the earth surface. Sugarcane bagasse was collected from a local market in Alaba-rago, Nigeria. Onibode clay–sugarcane bagasse composite samples were developed from a mixture of fine clay particles (<150 µm) and SCB reinforcement particles (fine - <150 µm; coarse – 300 µm) of 0 – 6 %wt with a constant 53 %wt moisture and five drops of sodium silicate. The samples were fired at a temperature of 1150 oC and held for 1 hour. Mechanical properties such as thermal conductivity, linear shrinkage, bulk density and apparent porosity of the samples were evaluated. The results show that 2 wt% sugarcane bagasse (SCB) reinforcement improved the mechanical properties of the developed composite.Keywords- Sugarcane bagasse, clay, refractory properties, insulator.

Product Comparison between Local Product and Technology Aided Mambong Pottery

There are various traditional Malay potteries such as Labu Sayong, Buyung and Terenang. Kelantan traditional pottery known as Mambong. The objectives of this research are to compare and characterize the density, strength, physical appearance and shrinkage of traditional and slip casted Mambong pottery. Traditional Mambong pottery has been brought from the potter at Mambnog village and slip casted Mambong pottery is made by using slip casting method. Density of sample is measured by using Archimedes principal. Traditional Mambong pottery show the higher value of density compared to slip casting Mambong pottery. The average value of density for traditional Mambong pottery was 1.763 g/cm3, while the average value of density for Mambong pottery that was fabricated via slip casting was 1.461 g/cm3. Due to the presence of iron in clay, the colour of Mambong pottery changes from brown to reddish-brown after firing process. Traditional Mambong pottery shows the higher percentage of dry shrinkage which was 9.76 % compared to slip casting Mambong pottery which was 5.72 %. Traditional Mambong pottery also shows the higher percentage of fired shrinkage which was 1 % compared to slip casting Mambong pottery which was 0.58 %. In conclusion, by using slip casting technique, density, physical appearance and shrinkage of pottery can be improved.

Development of Mullite Based Refractory Pot for High Lead Containing Glass Melting

Radiation shielding window (RSW) glass for nuclear reactor is primarily required for protecting the operating personnel from harmful radioactive rays produced during nuclear energy generation in nuclear hot cells. In this respect, the production of high lead (>70% PbO) containing RSW glass is generally made using platinum pot through bottom pouring flow casting technique. However, owing to low capacity (40 L max.) of high cost platinum pot, the production of glass slab is limited to a maximum dimension of 400×400×100 mm3. Therefore, an alternate cost effective technology is highly required for making higher dimension glass slabs. To fulfill the requirement, low cost and higher volume refractory pot based tilt casting technology can be adopted. In this regard, the refractory pot is to be developed with adequate thermal, chemical and mechanical stabilities towards sustaining high corrosive lead oxide containing molten glass at 1100°-1200°C. For this purpose, a clay based alumino-silicate pot material enriched with mullite has been developed and characterized systematically. The rectangular bars have been fabricated by slip casting technique and the fabricated bars have been fired between 1450° and 1550° C. The fired materials have been characterized in terms of bulk density, apparent porosity, cold and hot modulus of rupture, etc. The RSW glass with more than 70% lead oxide content has successfully been melted in the pot. The quality of RSW glass produced using the pot has also been studied. In an optimized composition of the pot, the formation of higher content of mullite phase having high thermal shock and corrosion resistance with the desired mechanical stability is the key factor behind the stability of the refractory pot for making defect free RSW glass slabs. This cost effective refractory pot technology can substitute the platinum pot technology for producing larger dimension RSW glass slabs.

ZnO semiconductors obtained by slip casting: Application and reuse in photocatalysis

AbstractThis work described the acquisition of immobilized ZnO semiconductors using the slip casting technique, for application as reusable photocatalysts in the degradation of Rhodamine B. The influence of the heat treatment temperature (800°C, 900°C, and 1000°C) on the physical, thermal, microstructural, and photocatalytic properties was investigated. All samples presented the wurtzite crystal structure, and the surface was completely absent of organic matter residues. The samples presented band gap values around 3.2 eV. The ones heat treated at 800°C showed lower density (3.40 g/cm3, corresponding to 60% of the ZnO theoretical density), smaller average grain size, in addition to higher apparent porosity (around 40%). These characteristics provide better photocatalytic activity to the sample heat treated at 800°C, since it promoted 92.2% dye degradation, while samples heat treated at 900°C and 1000°C promoted 81.8% and 54.2% dye degradation, respectively. The integrity of all samples was maintained after the photocatalytic tests. Thus, the reuse capability of the sample with the best photocatalytic performance, that is, the sample heat treated at 800°C, was evaluated in six cycles of photocatalysis. The sample proved to be reusable, promoting degradation of practically 100% of the dye after the third cycle of reuse.

Fabrication of natural ball clay ceramic membrane using pore former and additive agents based on modified slip casting technique

Fabrication of natural ball clay ceramic membrane using pore former and additive agents based on modified slip casting technique

The Effect of Calcium Carbonate Added into Mambong Clay

Mambong clay is a traditional pottery that originally from Kampong Mambong, Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia. The new fabrication technique of this pottery is the slip casting technique. However, the innovation of Mambong pottery does not only limited to the fabrication technique, but also the materials used in the fabrication in order to improve its physical properties. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is one of the materials that can be used in this fabrication as an additive due to the ability to stabilize the clay soil and improves the clay physical properties. In this study, the various CaCO3 contents (0, 5, 10, and 15%) were investigated to get the optimum amount of CaCO3 to improve the physical properties of Mambong clay by using slip casting method. Mambong clay with different amount of CaCO3 addition was compared in term of microstructure, density, porosity, shrinkage, and flexural strength.

New Al2O3–Cu–Ni functionally graded composites manufactured using the centrifugal slip casting

AbstractThe aim of this paper was to establish the general suitability of the centrifugal slip casting technique for fabrication of graded material from the Al2O3–Cu–Ni system. The present investigation is a preliminary one and the obtained results may be regarded as a point for acquiring the new knowledge in the ternary ceramic metal system fabricated using centrifugal slip casting. The rheological study provided the evidence that the suspension used to fabricate composites is a non‐Newtonian slurry. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the prepared slurry is stable over time. The obtained composites has a hollow cylindrical shape with relative density of > 95%. The XRD study results revealed three phases: Al2O3, Ni, and CuNi. The microscopic investigations revealed a nonhomogeneous distribution of the metallic phase in the composite. It has been shown that the content of the metallic phase decreased with the increased distance from the outside to the inner edge of the ceramic‐metal composite. The study results allow to conclude that the interface between the phases is more continuous when sintering was carried out in a solid phase. However, it was found that when sintering was carried out in a liquid phase separated metal particles with spherical phase are formed.

Synthesis and characterization of ultrafiltration ceramic membranes used in the separation of macromolecular proteins

In this work, low-cost ceramic clay ultra-filtration membranes have been fabricated with a low sintering temperature, using natural aluminosilicate nanotubes (Halloysite) for the separation of macromolecular proteins. Tubular supports for membranes were prepared from quartz sand and calcite (natural materials) using the extrusion method. The effect of calcination temperatures on the structure of the membrane supports was studied in order to obtain the appropriate average pore size (APS) and porosity. Using the slip casting technique, two layers were deposited on the supports. The titania (TiO2) intermediate layer and the Halloysite top-layer were sintered at 1050 and 580 °C, respectively. The membranes were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, porosity; pores size distribution, water permeability and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, capability for proteins separation (proteins used include: bovine serum albumin, egg albumin and casein), is evaluated.

Characterization and performance of rice husk as additive in green ceramic water filter fabricated by slip-casting

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the using of rice husk (RH) which is a green material derived from agricultural waste with the ability to absorb heavy metal. It has been used in wastewater treatment. In this research, a kaolin-based green ceramic water filter (CWF) incorporated with two different additives (RH and zeolite-based RH ash [RHA]) was successfully fabricated.Design/methodology/approachThe weight ratio of kaolin:additive was varied (90:10, 80:20 and 70:30) and fabricated via the slip-casting technique. The green CWFs were dried (60°C for 1 h), followed by sintering (1,200°C).FindingsThe green CWF of kaolin:RH with a weight ratio of 70:30 showed the best properties and satisfactory performance with a porous cross-section microstructure, highest porous area (4.58 µm2), good structure, lowest shrinkage (8.00%), highest porosity (45.10%), lowest density (1.79 g cm−3), highest water absorption (55.50%) and hardness (241.40 Hv). This green CWF has also achieved good permeability (42.00 L m−2h−1) and removal of the textile dye (27.88%). The satisfactory characterization and good textile dye removal performance (75.47%) were also achieved from green CWF with kaolin:zeolite at a weight ratio of 80:20.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is focused on green CWF and zeolite at a certain amount with the specific characterization analysis methods.Practical implicationsThe use of low-cost waste materials to treat dye wastewater from agricultural by-products/wastes sources in treating the dye will enhance the using of green material.Social implicationsAvoiding the waste sludge that can pollute the environment can create a health issue. The use of low-cost waste materials to treat dye wastewater from agricultural by-products/wastes sources in treating the dye can avoid the waste sludge that can pollute the environment and create serious health issue.Originality/valueAll the kaolin-based green CWFs incorporated with two different additives (RH and zeolite-based RHA) fabricated using a simple slip-casting technique have shown the potential to be used as a filter in wastewater treatment applications.