Abstract Alumina is a polymorphic bioceramic that has been extensively investigated for application in bone regeneration. Dense α-alumina has been considered a suitable biomaterial for dental and orthopedic implants due to its superior mechanical properties. However, its use is limited due to its high inertia in a biological environment. Recent investigations have focused on its distinct phases and surface characteristics through the control of morphology, physical properties, and chemical composition to enhance bioactivity. This article presents a brief review of the developments in porous α-alumina and amorphous-γ-alumina transition. Most studies have shown that composites and alumina coated with bioactive materials, high surface area, and hydroxylated surface can significantly improve biological properties. Cellular responses such as fixation, growth, and proliferation, as well as biomineralization, are the main studies to validate improvements in bioactive properties.

Abstract The use of industrial waste in compositions of ceramic masses has attracted great interest from the scientific community, as they can be considered abundant and diversified alternative sources of raw materials. At the same time, there is a growing interest in the development of porous ceramics due to their wide possibilities for use in various fields of engineering. In this sense, the present work aimed to provide a literature review on the use of industrial waste as alternative raw materials in the production of porous ceramics, highlighting the innovations and technological potential of research carried out in recent years. Increasingly higher levels of industrial waste in ceramic formulations have been studied, as well as high-performance porous ceramic bodies obtained entirely from waste materials. In addition to promoting the diversification of products, the incorporation of waste in ceramic masses represents an alternative to minimize their negative effects on the environment.

Abstract This work produced glass foams from soda-lime glass bottles, bentonite, and alumina by the replica method. Compositions with different contents of bentonite (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were prepared and heat-treated at 800 °C. In the alumina-added compositions, 50 wt% of the bentonite was replaced by the alumina. The influences of the content of bentonite (binder) and alumina addition were evaluated through the physical-mechanical properties. The results showed that the alumina did not promote a significant effect on physical and mechanical properties in most glass foams; the exception was the sample with 20 wt% bentonite+alumina, which presented better physical properties (lower linear shrinkage and density and greater porosity) when compared to its equivalent sample (without alumina). Foams with 5% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed higher linear shrinkage indexes and high densification. Samples with 15% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed the best combination of properties: higher porosity (79.2% and 80.2%), water absorption (58.8% and 59.7%), lower shrinkage index (25.5% and 29.4%), and good flexural strength (0.69 and 0.45 MPa).

Abstract Mullite, an intermediate phase of the binary alumina-silica system, is one of the most important phases of ceramic products containing alumina and silica in the initial composition. Its stoichiometry ranges from 3Al2O3.2SiO2 (3:2) to 2Al2O3.SiO2 (2:1) and its crystalline structure is orthorhombic, characterized by the presence of octahedral chains of AlO6 interconnected by tetrahedral chains of aluminum-oxygen and/or silicon-oxygen (AlO4/SiO4). Properties such as high chemical and thermal stability, low thermal expansion and conductivity, and good mechanical strength enable a wide range of applications. Due to the relevance of this material, it is important for the scientific community to understand its microstructural characteristics, properties, methods of synthesis, and various applications. Therefore, this article aimed to make a comprehensive review on the mullite to gather and present to the reader a series of relevant information that makes it possible to deepen the knowledge about mullite.

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has attracted interest for sensory applications due to its high surface area and the high density of active adsorption sites. This review shows the effect of the nanostructure, synthesis technique, operating temperature, target gas, and the impact of incorporating metallic elements on the detection properties of TiO2. The studies showed that the TiO2 gas detection process is closely related to surface reactions. Therefore, sensing properties, such as sensitivity, response time, and recovery, vary with factors that influence the surface reactions, such as chemical elements, morphology, microstructure of the depletion layer, and operating temperature.

Abstract In recent years there is a high interest in the freeze-casting process because it is a simple, economical, and environmentally friendly method for obtaining highly porous materials. Most of the materials obtained by this technique have directional pore structure and anisotropic properties. However, a wide range of pore size and morphology can be obtained by the control of processing parameters, such as solvent type, solids concentration, particle size, freezing rate, and types of additives. The varied morphologies permit the application of freeze-casted materials in various technological applications. However, despite the high amount of studies about freeze-casting of ceramic materials in the last years, review articles addressing the influence of processing parameters on the pore characteristics of obtained ceramics are still scanty. Therefore, this review addresses the influence of freeze-casting process parameters on the pore characteristics of the ceramic materials.

Resumo Nanofibras de CaFe2O4 foram sintetizadas com sucesso via solution blow spinning (SBS) e as influências do tratamento térmico nas propriedades morfológicas, microestruturais, magnéticas e óticas das nanofibras foram avaliadas. No processo de síntese, quantidades estequiométricas de nitratos de ferro e cálcio foram dissolvidos em solução aquosa contendo polivinilpirrolidona (PVP) e, em seguida, nanofibras híbridas (PVP/precursores) foram produzidas por SBS. As nanofibras híbridas foram calcinadas e depois submetidas às caracterizações microestrutural, morfológica e magnética. Os resultados evidenciaram que as nanofibras apresentaram natureza cristalina de fase única CaFe2O4, com tamanho de cristalito de 31,7 e 34,4 nm para as amostras calcinadas a 800 e 1000 °C, respectivamente. As fibras de CaFe2O4 calcinadas a 600 e 800 °C apresentaram morfologia homogênea, sem beads e com diâmetros médios de 521 e 427 nm, respectivamente. Os resultados também revelaram nanofibras com baixos gaps de energia de aproximadamente 1,98 eV e características de materiais magnéticos macios.

Abstract CaFe2O4 nanofibers were successfully synthesized via solution blow spinning (SBS), and the influences of heat-treatment on morphological, microstructural, magnetic, and optical properties of the nanofibers were evaluated. In the synthesis process, stoichiometric amounts of iron and calcium nitrates were dissolved in an aqueous solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and, after that, hybrid nanofibers (PVP/precursors) were produced by SBS. The hybrid nanofibers were calcined and then subjected to microstructural, morphological, and magnetic characterizations. The results evidenced that the fibers presented the crystalline nature of the single-phase CaFe2O4, with a crystallite size of 32.7 and 34.4 nm for the samples calcined at 800 and 1000 °C, respectively. The CaFe2O4 fibers calcined at 600 and 800 °C presented a homogeneous morphology, without beads, and mean diameters of 521 and 427 nm, respectively. The results also revealed nanofibers with low band gaps of approximately 1.98 eV and characteristics of soft magnetic materials.

Resumo Os materiais nanoestruturados à base de dióxido de titânio (TiO2) têm demonstrado grande potencial para uso em implantes graças às suas excelentes propriedades físico-químicas, como alta área superficial específica, capacidade de provocar resposta celular positiva e estabilidade nos fluidos corporais. No entanto, existem poucos estudos na literatura que se concentram no uso de TiO2 nanoestruturado para fins de suporte ao crescimento celular e regeneração óssea. O objetivo desta pesquisa é revisar o estado da arte do TiO2 para uso em implantes ósseos, além de fornecer informações sobre suas características e métodos de síntese. São descritos estudos das propriedades biológicas do TiO2 nanoestruturado, estabelecendo seu potencial para o campo biomédico.

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2) based nanostructured materials have shown great potential for use in implants thanks to their excellent physicochemical properties, such as high specific surface area, ability to elicit positive cell response, and stability in body fluids. However, there are few studies in the literature that focus on the use of nanostructured TiO2 to support cell growth and bone regeneration. The purpose of this survey is to review the state of the art of TiO2 for use in bone implants, as well as provide insight into its characteristics and synthesis methods. Studies of the biological properties of nanostructured TiO2 are described, establishing its potential for the biomedical field.

Resumo Argilas plásticas são uma das principais matérias-primas usadas em tecnologia cerâmica. No entanto, há uma escassez dessas argilas no mundo para o uso em tecnologia de porcelanas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar argilas plásticas do nordeste brasileiro. Composições química e mineralógica, distribuição do tamanho de partículas, plasticidade e resistência à verde dessas argilas foram determinadas. As argilas analisadas foram constituídas predominantemente por caulinita e quartzo e algumas contiveram esmectita. A quantidade de óxido de ferro nessas argilas foi maior que 1,0% e em algumas alcançou valores superiores a 3%; os limites de liquidez e plasticidade variaram de 22% a 48% e 10% a 32%, respectivamente. De acordo com os dados de caracterização, três argilas plásticas apresentaram potencial para serem usadas como ‘ball clay’ alternativa de acordo com a plasticidade e características mineralógicas.

Abstract Plastic clays are one of the main raw materials used in ceramic technology. However, there is a shortage of good quality plastic clays in the world for use in porcelain technology. The aim of this study was to characterize plastic clays from Northeastern Brazil. Chemical and mineralogical composition, particle size distribution, plasticity and green strength of the clays were determined. The analyzed clays were predominantly composed of kaolinite and quartz, and some contained smectite. The amount of iron oxide in the clays was higher than 1.0% and for some of them the values were higher than 3%; the liquid and plastic limits ranged from 22% to 48% and 10% to 32%, respectively. According to characterization data, three plastic clays had potential to be used as alternative ball clay, due to their plasticity and mineralogical characteristics.

Resumo Mulita é um aluminossilicato com grande importância na tecnologia cerâmica. Sua síntese através de métodos químicos tem sido extensivamente estudada, no entanto, não se observam estudos da sua obtenção pelo método Pechini. Assim, este estudo teve por objetivo a síntese de mulita por meio deste método. Foi avaliada a influência de diversos solventes na obtenção da mulita pela rota Pechini. As características dos pós foram avaliadas por difração de raios X, análise térmica (TG/DTG), adsorção de nitrogênio (BET), microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram a eficiência do método Pechini, bem como a influência dos solventes na obtenção da fase, sendo a mulita obtida como fase majoritária e com maior cristalinidade quando do uso do álcool etílico como solvente.

Abstract Mullite is an aluminosilicate with great importance in ceramic technology. Its synthesis through chemical methods has been extensively studied, however, no studies of its obtention by the Pechini method are observed. Thus, this work aimed to synthesize mullite using this method. The influence of several solvents in obtaining the mullite by the Pechini route was evaluated. The characteristics of the powders were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (TG/DTG), nitrogen adsorption (BET), scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results obtained proved the efficiency of the Pechini method, as well as the influence of the solvents in obtaining the phase, being the mullite obtained as the majority phase and with greater crystallinity when using ethyl alcohol as a solvent.

Resumo O resíduo gerado pelas atividades industriais representa um custo, já que os geradores são responsáveis pela sua gestão, transporte, tratamento e disposição. O estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, é o maior produtor de resíduos de scheelita. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi caracterizar este resíduo de mineração, identificar sua similaridade com areia natural e produzir uma argamassa de revestimento. Na composição das argamassas foram empregados o cimento Portland tipo CPII-F32 e o hidróxido de cálcio industrializado como ligante. Granulometria a laser, densidade aparente e relativa, EDX, DRX e análise térmica foram realizadas para a caracterização física e química do resíduo. Testes mecânicos (resistência de aderência à tração e resistência à compressão), MEV e teste de absorção de água foram realizados para analisar o comportamento da argamassa. Os testes realizados confirmaram que as propriedades mecânicas estavam em acordo com padrões de argamassa de revestimento.

Abstract The residue generated by industrial activities represents a cost, since the generators are responsible for its management, transportation, treatment and disposal. Rio Grande do Norte State in Brazil is the greatest producer of scheelite residue. The aim of this research was to characterize this mining residue, identify its similarity with natural sand and produce a coating mortar with it. In the composition of mortar, a Brazilian Portland cement type CPII-F32 and an industrialized calcium hydroxide as a binder were used. Laser granulometry, bulk and relative density, EDX, XRD and thermal analysis were done to obtain a physical and chemical characterization of the residue. Mechanical tests (tensile bond strength and compressive strength), SEM and water absorption test were done to analyze the behavior of mortar. All tests confirmed that mechanical properties were according to standards for tile mortar.

Resumo As características físico-químicas dos cátions podem ser capazes de modificar as propriedades reológicas das argilas bentoníticas, como suas cargas, tamanhos dos cátions trocáveis adsorvidos nos argilominerais, comportamentos de hidratação e diferentes intercalações com as camadas estruturais da bentonita, sendo um fator importante considerar o efeito dos cátions presentes sobre a reologia de dispersões de argilas bentoníticas. Desta forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar a influência do Ca2+ nas propriedades reológicas e de filtração de dispersões de novas ocorrências de argilas bentoníticas do estado da Paraíba, Brasil, em fluidos de perfuração aquosos. Quatro argilas bentoníticas foram selecionadas, sendo caracterizadas química, física e mineralogicamente. As argilas foram aditivadas com carbonato de sódio e estudados os comportamentos reológicos e de filtração de suas dispersões. Os resultados mostraramm a influência direta do Ca2+ presente e suas implicações, resultantes de interações físico-químicas, nas propriedades reológicas e de filtração de dispersões de argilas bentoníticas.

Abstract The physicochemical characteristics of cations may be able to modify the rheological properties of bentonite clays, such as their loads, exchangeable cation sizes adsorbed on clay minerals, hydration behaviors and different intercalations with the bentonite structural layer effect of the cations present on the rheology of dispersions of bentonite clays. In this way, the objective was to study the influence of Ca2+ on the rheological and filtration properties of dispersions of new occurrences of bentonite clays from the State of Paraíba, Brazil, in aqueous drilling fluids. Four bentonite clays were selected, being characterized chemically, physically and mineralogically. Sodium carbonate was then added to the clays, and the rheological and filtration behavior of their dispersions were studied. The results showed the direct influence of the Ca2+ present and its implications, resulting from physicochemical interactions, on the rheological and filtration properties of dispersions of bentonite clays.

Resumo A hidroxiapatita (HAp) é uma biocerâmica amplamente estudada devido à sua similaridade química com o componente mineral dos ossos. Além disso, é biocompatível, bioativa e termodinamicamente estável no fluido corporal, o que a coloca como um material atraente para uma ampla gama de aplicações no campo biomédico. Diversos esforços têm sido focados na síntese de partículas deste material visando o controle preciso de tamanho e morfologia, porosidade e área superficial. HAp é amplamente utilizada como implante para a regeneração do tecido ósseo, como revestimento para implantes metálicos e na liberação controlada de drogas. Neste sentido, o objetivo desta revisão é reunir informações relacionadas à HAp, fornecendo aos leitores informações sobre os métodos de síntese, características do material e suas aplicações.

Abstract Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a bioceramic widely studied due to its chemical similarity with the mineral component of bones. Besides, it is biocompatible, bioactive and thermodynamically stable in the body fluid what poses it as an attractive material for a wide range of applications in the biomedical field. Several efforts have been focused on the synthesis of particles of this material aiming to the precise control of size and morphology, porosity and surface area. HAp is widely used as an implant for bone tissue regeneration, as a coating for metallic implants and in a drug-controlled release. In this sense, the objective of this review is to gather information related to HAp, providing readers with information about synthesis methods, material characteristics and their applications.

Resumo Esse trabalho mostra a produção de nanofibras de alumina após tratamento térmico de fibras híbridas preparadas por fiação por sopro em solução. Essas nanofibras foram convertidas em γ-Al2O3 e α-Al2O3 após tratamento térmico ao ar entre 500 e 1200 °C. Os padrões de difração de raios X apresentaram todas as características das fases alumina γ e α. Além disso, as micrografias eletrônicas de varredura mostraram que os diâmetros das nanofibras de alumina variaram entre 200 e 270 nm para diferentes temperaturas. Os resultados demonstraram que o método de fiação por sopro em solução é eficiente para produzir nanofibras de alumina.

Abstract This work shows the successful production of alumina nanofibers after thermal treatment of solution blow spun hybrid fibers. These nanofibers were converted into γ-Al2O3 and α-Al2O3 after the thermal treatment in air between 500 to 1200 °C. The X-ray diffraction patterns presented all the characteristics of the γ and α phases of alumina. In addition, the scanning electron micrographs showed alumina nanofiber diameters varying between 200 and 270 nm for different temperatures. The results demonstrated that the solution blowing spinning method is efficient to produce alumina nanofibers.

Resumo Atualmente, há uma severa escassez de jazimentos de feldspato de boa qualidade. Por outro lado, o diopsídio vem se mostrando um fundente alternativo para a indústria cerâmica, mas ainda pouco estudado. Assim, este trabalho avaliou o efeito da substituição parcial do feldspato pelo diopsídio em formulações para grés sanitário. Substituiu-se de 2 a 20% da massa total de feldspato por diopsídio. As matérias-primas foram caracterizadas e as reologias das suspensões analisadas. Os corpos de prova foram conformados por colagem e queimados a 1160, 1180 e 1200 ºC. As características reológicas não foram prejudicadas quando do uso de diopsídio, podendo-se substituir até 20% do feldspato por diopsídio. Com o emprego do diopsídio, houve formação de anortita e redução na temperatura de sinterização de 1200 para 1160 ºC. Nas massas com mais de 10% do feldspato substituído por diopsídio obtiveram-se maiores valores de resistência e menores de absorção de água e porosidade aparente.

Abstract There is a current severe shortage of good quality feldspar deposits. Nonetheless, diopside has been proved to be an alternative flux for the ceramic industry but still little studied. This work evaluated the effect of partial replacement of feldspar with diopside in formulations for sanitary ware. Replacement ratios ranged from 2 to 20% of the total mass of feldspar. Raw materials were characterized and rheology of suspensions was analyzed. The specimens were formed by slip casting and fired at 1160, 1180 and 1200 0C. Rheological characteristics were not impaired by using diopside, and up to 20% of feldspar could be replaced with diopside. Using diopside, it was noted anorthite formation and reduction of sintering temperature from 1200 to 1160 0C. Masses with over 10% of diopside replacement resulted in higher values for strength and smaller ones for water absorption and apparent porosity.