29980 - Ceramic Materials T

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of ceramic materials including raw materials, processing conditions and sustainability issues.

Course contents

Prior Knowledge:

A prior knowledge and understanding of materials science fundaments are required. This knowledge is usually acquired by following the course of Materials Science.

Fluent spoken and written Italian is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials will be held in Italian.

Course Contents:

Introduction. Ceramic materials and products; definitions, classification. Traditional and advanced ceramics.

Microstructure and main properties of ceramic materials. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, glassy materials. Crystalline structures in ceramics. Microstructure and phase distribution. Porosity. Mechanical thermal, chemical, and functional properties of ceramic materials. Structure-properties correlations.

Raw materials : Silicates: silica, clays, feldspar. Non-silicates raw materials. Characterization and quality of raw materials for traditional ceramics: chemical composition, mineralogical structure, granulometry, rheology, physical and thermal properties.

Preparation of ceramic compounds. Mix design, grinding, homogenization, wet and dry processing. Technical issues.

Forming/shaping process: powder pressing, wet molding, casting and extrusion.

Drying, Decoration/glazing, firing process for traditional ceramic materials (tiles, bricks, sanitary ware): main process parameters. Pigments and dyes. Ink-jet printing. Single- and double-firing. Innovation in industrial plants.

Durability in ceramic materials: main weathering mechanisms of ceramics, mainly due to freeze-thaw cycles, salts crystallization, thermal cycles, acid attack, etc. Evaluation of durability features.

Bioceramics for prosthesis and regenarative medicine. Biocompatible, bioactive and biomimetics ceramics for bones replacement, odontology and dentistry,etc. Bioglass, zirconia and hydroxyapatite/calcium phosphates based materials.

Main characterization techniques for ceramic materials. Optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, EDS spectroscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, thermogravimetrical analyses, mechanical characterizations, non-disruptive tests for in-situ analyses.

Advanced ceramics and Refractories. Classification and main physical-mechanical-thermal characteristics.

Standardization and sustainability in tiles production. Environmental impact of tile production and environmental labels.

Glass. Raw materials, technology, main chemical-physical-mechanical properties.

Laboratory of ceramic materials at Centro Ceramico (Via Martelli 26, Bologna).

Readings/Bibliography

• L.Bertolini – Materiali da costruzione, Volume primo, 2° Ed. – Città Studi Ed., Milano, 2010
• W.F.Smith - Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali, 3° Ed - McGraw-Hill It., Milano, 2006
• Any English text (University level) about Ceramic Materials.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and laboratory.

Laboratory classes will be performed at Centro Ceramico (via Martelli 26, Bologna).

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by means of an oral examination. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes"; in particular the knowledge of the ceramic process and the main characteristics of ceramic materials as function of their applications will be required.

The examination also takes into account Laboratory activity.

The oral session, consists of a technical conversation with questions by the Professor and answers from the student.

High grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject and the above-mentioned outcomes, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

Overheads projector, traditional blackboard, power point presentations

Office hours

See the website of Maria Bignozzi

See the website of Gabriela Graziani