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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced and Functional Ceramics and Glasses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2023) | Viewed by 19196

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Dr. Francesco Baino

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Institute of Materials Physics and Engineering, Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
Interests: ceramics; glasses; porous materials; additive manufacturing; bioactive glasses; bioceramics; composites; tissue engineering; multifunctional biomaterials; biomedical scaffolds; advanced ceramics; sustainable materials; waste management
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The importance of porous ceramic materials has recently grown because of their versatile and multiple industrial and high-tech applications, covering different fields from energy to biomedical. Nowadays, porous ceramics are used to fabricate a huge variety of devices such as hot gas or dust collectors, absorbers, thermal insulators, dielectric resonators, engine components for automobile and also biomaterials, drug delivery devices, and bioreactors. The wide use of these materials is explained by their appealing properties such as chemical, biological, and thermal resistance; low thermal conductivity; and relatively low density. Furthermore, the most attractive property of porous ceramics is their permeability, which confers to these materials the ability to filter, deliver, and release different fluids, substances, and particles. In the fabrication of porous ceramic materials, a key factor is represented by the control of pore characteristics (e.g., amount, geometry, interconnectivity, etc.) that can be tailored by properly setting the parameters in several processing methods. An important role is also played by raw material features, type of binder used, and sintering parameters, which can all impact the final porosity in terms of pore size and distribution.

This Special Issue will provide readers with up-to-date information on the recent progress in the fields of porous ceramics, with an emphasis on their many applications and the different manufacturing processes employed to realize them.

Contributing papers, both research articles and comprehensive reviews, are solicited in all the relevant areas for porous ceramics, including:

Thermal and acoustic insulation
Construction
Filtration
Catalysis
Biomedical applications
Porous materials for the circular economy
Diffusion processes in porous media
Ceramic and glass foams
Analysis of porous materials

And the Guest Editor Assistant for this special issue is:

Ms. Carla Migneco
Interests: bioactive glasses; bioceramics; composites; tissue engineering; multifunctional biomaterials; biomedical scaffolds; 3D printing; additive manufacturing
Affiliation: Institute of Materials Physics and Engineering, Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

Dr. Francesco Baino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

porous materials
mesoporous ceramics
porous glasses
scaffolds
sintering
foaming
adsorbent
catalytic support
additive manufacturing
porous composites

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3905 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Surface Modification of 3D-Printed PCL/BG Composite Scaffolds via Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine and Effective Antibacterial Coatings for Biomedical Applications

by Kanwal Ilyas, Muhammad Asim Akhtar, Ezzeddine Ben Ammar and Aldo R. Boccaccini

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238289 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2109

Abstract

A wide variety of composite scaffolds with unique geometry, porosity and pore size can be fabricated with versatile 3D printing techniques. In this work, we fabricated 3D-printed composite scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) incorporating bioactive glass (BG) particles (13-93 and 13-93B3 compositions) by using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The scaffolds were modified with a “mussel-inspired surface coating” to regulate biological properties. The chemical and surface properties of scaffolds were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polydopamine (PDA) surface-modified composite scaffolds exhibited attractive properties. Firstly, after the surface modification, the adhesion of a composite coating based on gelatin incorporated with strontium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (Sr-MBGNs/gelatin) was significantly improved. In addition, cell attachment and differentiation were promoted, and the antibacterial properties of the scaffolds were increased. Moreover, the bioactivity of these scaffolds was also significantly influenced: a hydroxyapatite layer formed on the scaffold surface after 3 days of immersion in SBF. Our results suggest that the promoting effect of PDA coating on PCL-BG scaffolds leads to improved scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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10 pages, 3676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Surface-Etching Treatment, Glaze, and the Antagonist on Roughness of a Hybrid Ceramic after Two-Body Wear

by Manassés Tercio Vieira Grangeiro, Camila da Silva Rodrigues, Natália Rivoli Rossi, Jadson Mathyas Domingos da Silva, Nathalia de Carvalho Ramos, João Paulo Mendes Tribst, Lilian Costa Anami and Marco Antonio Bottino

Materials 2022, 15(19), 6870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15196870 - 03 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1275

Abstract

Stains and glaze are effective procedures for achieving an aesthetic smoothness on indirect restorations. Thus, the effect of surface-etching treatments previous to the stain layer and the glaze application on the occlusal and antagonist wear of a hybrid ceramic were evaluated against different antagonists. Disc-shaped samples were prepared from polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) blocks. The specimens were divided into eight groups, according to the surface-etching treatment and glaze application: P (polished specimens); PG (polishing plus glaze); E (hydrofluoric acid etching plus stain); EG (acid etching plus stain plus glaze); A (aluminum oxide sandblasting plus stain); AG (sandblasting plus stain plus glaze); S (self-etching primer plus stain); SG (self-etching primer plus stain plus glaze). Half of the samples were subjected to a wear simulation with a steatite antagonist, and the other half was tested using a PICN antagonist. The test parameters were: 15 N, 1.7 Hz, 6 mm of horizontal sliding, 5000 cycles. The discs and the antagonists’ masses were measured before and after the wear tests. The average roughness and spacing defects were evaluated. The etching treatment affected the surface and antagonist mass loss when tested against steatite. AG showed the highest mass loss. This influence was not detected when using the PICN antagonist. The glaze application after staining ensures a smoother surface and avoids antagonist wear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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17 pages, 19181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sintering Analysis of Porous Ti/xTa Alloys Fabricated from Elemental Powders

by Rogelio Macias, Pedro Garnica-Gonzalez, Luis Olmos, Omar Jimenez, Jorge Chavez, Octavio Vazquez, Francisco Alvarado-Hernandez and Dante Arteaga

Materials 2022, 15(19), 6548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15196548 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1409

Abstract

The present work is focused on developing Ti-xTa porous alloys processed by the space holder method and solid-state sintering. The volume fraction of Ta ranged between 20 and 30 wt.%. The sintering kinetics was evaluated by dilatometry tests. Sintered materials were characterized by SEM, XRD and computed tomography. Porosity features and permeability were determined from 3D images, and their mechanical properties were evaluated from microhardness and compression tests. The sintering behavior and the final microstructure are driven by the Ta diffusion into the Ti, slowing down the densification and modifying the transition temperature of α-to-β. Due to β-stabilization, martensite α′ was obtained after sintering. Mechanical properties are reduced because of the β-stabilization and pore addition, being predominantly the pore effect. Permeability depended on the pore characteristics, finding values close to the human bones. It was concluded that powder metallurgy generates highly TixTa alloys with a combination of α, β and α′ Ti phases as well as remaining Ta particles that are beneficial to improve the biocompatibility and osseointegration of such materials. Being the Ti25Ta40salt alloy the most suitable for orthopedic implants because of its characteristics and properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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12 pages, 17491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties of Robocast Glass Scaffolds Assessed through Micro-CT-Based Finite Element Models

by Luca D’Andrea, Dario Gastaldi, Enrica Verné, Francesco Baino, Jonathan Massera, Gissur Örlygsson and Pasquale Vena

Materials 2022, 15(18), 6344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186344 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1350

Abstract

In this study, the mechanical properties of two classes of robocast glass scaffolds are obtained through Computed micro-Tomography (micro-CT) based Finite Element Modeling (FEM) with the specific purpose to explicitly account for the geometrical defects introduced during manufacturing. Both classes demonstrate a fiber [...] Read more.

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tilting between two adjacent layers. The crack pattern identified upon compression loading is consistent with that found in experimental studies available in literature. The finite element models have demonstrated that the effect of imperfections on elastic and strength properties may be substantial, depending on the specific type of defect identified in the scaffolds. In particular, micro-porosity, fiber length interruption and fiber detaching were found as key factors. The micro-pores act as stress concentrators promoting fracture initiation and propagation, while fiber detachment reduces the scaffold properties substantially along the direction perpendicular to the fiber plane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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14 pages, 7549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ti64/20Ag Porous Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy for Biomedical Applications

by Luis Olmos, Ana S. Gonzaléz-Pedraza, Héctor J. Vergara-Hernández, Jorge Chávez, Omar Jimenez, Elena Mihalcea, Dante Arteaga and José J. Ruiz-Mondragón

Materials 2022, 15(17), 5956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15175956 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1613

Abstract

We present a novel Ti64/20Ag highly porous composite fabricated by powder metallurgy for biomedical applications and provide an insight into its microstructure and mechanical proprieties. In this work, the Ti64/20Ag highly porous composites were successfully fabricated by the space holder technique and consolidated by liquid phase sintering, at lower temperatures than the ones used for Ti64 materials. The sintering densification was evaluated by dilatometry tests and the microstructural characterization and porosity features were determined by scanning electron microscopy and computed microtomography. Permeability was estimated by numerical simulations on the 3D real microstructure. Mechanical properties were evaluated by simple compression tests. Densification was achieved by interparticle pore filling with liquid Ag that does not drain to the large pores, with additional densification due to the macroscopical deformation of large pores. Pore characteristics are closely linked to the pore formers and the permeability was highly increased by increasing the pore volume fraction, mainly because the connectivity was improved. As expected, with the increase in porosity, the mechanical properties decreased. These results permitted us to gain a greater understanding of the microstructure and to confirm that we developed a promising Ti64/20Ag composite, showing E of 7.4 GPa, σ_y of 123 MPa and permeability of 3.93 × 10⁻¹¹ m². Enhanced adaptability and antibacterial proprieties due to Ag were obtained for bone implant applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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12 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Mesoporous Magnetic Carbon Materials from Oily Sludge by Combining Thermal Activation and Post-Washing

by Wen-Tien Tsai, Yu-Quan Lin, Chi-Hung Tsai and Yun-Hwei Shen

Materials 2022, 15(16), 5794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15165794 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1278

Abstract

In this work, the oily sludge (OS) from a local waste oil recycling plant was reused as a precursor for producing porous magnetic carbon composites (CC) by pyrolysis, followed by carbon dioxide activation. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the OS feedstock, the preparation experiments were performed at 800–900 °C. From the pore analysis of the CC products, it indicated an increasing trend, as the BET surface area greatly increased from about 1.0 to 44.30 m²/g. In addition, the enhancement effect on the pore properties can be consistently obtained from the acid-washed CC products because the existing and new pores were reformed due to the leaching-out of inorganic minerals. It showed an increase from 32.27 to 94.45 m²/g and 44.30 to 94.52 m²/g at 850 and 900 °C, respectively, showing their mesoporous features. These porous and iron-containing features were also observed by the scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). In addition, the adsorption removal of total organic carbon (TOC) in the raw wastewater, by the CC product, showed its high performance (>80%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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9 pages, 2610 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Photoreduction of Copper Ions Using Silica–Surfactant Hybrid and Titanium (IV) Oxide under Sulfuric Acid Conditions

by Shingo Machida, Reo Kato, Kaishi Hasegawa, Takahiro Gotoh, Ken-ichi Katsumata and Atsuo Yasumori

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155132 - 24 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

Photoreduction of Cu²⁺ ions to Cu metal by titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂) was conducted in the presence of a silica–surfactant hybrid under sulfuric acid conditions. After irradiation, a dark-red color, reflections due to Cu metal in the X-ray diffraction pattern, and peaks due to Cu 2p_1/2 and 2p_3/2 in the X-ray photoelectron spectrum indicated the precipitation of Cu metal in the product. In addition, an increase in the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area from 36 and 45 m²/g for the silica–surfactant and TiO₂, respectively, to 591 m²/g for the product, and a decrease in the intensity of the C-H stretching band in the Fourier–transform infra-red spectra implied the removal of surfactant during the reaction. These characteristics were never observed when TiO₂ was used solely. Therefore, this study indicated that the photoreduction of Cu²⁺ ions to Cu metal by TiO₂ was facilitated under the sulfuric acid medium, where the surfactants extracted from silica–surfactant hybrids by protons in the acidic condition were successfully photo-oxidized by TiO₂. Thus, this study presents a new application of the conversion of a silica–surfactant hybrid into mesoporous silicas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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13 pages, 4129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upcycling of Pharmaceutical Glass into Highly Porous Ceramics: From Foams to Membranes

by Akansha Mehta, Khaoula Karbouche, Jozef Kraxner, Hamada Elsayed, Dušan Galusek and Enrico Bernardo

Materials 2022, 15(11), 3784; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15113784 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2308

Abstract

The present COVID-19 emergency has dramatically increased the demand for pharmaceutical containers, especially vials. End-of-life containers, however, cannot be easily recycled in the manufacturing of new articles. This paper presents some strategies for upcycling of pharmaceutical glass into various porous ceramics. Suspensions of a fine glass powder (70 vol%) are used as a starting material. Highly uniform cellular structures may be easily prepared by vigorous mechanical stirring of partially gelified suspensions with added surfactant, followed by drying and firing at 550–650 °C. Stabilization of the cellular structures at temperatures as low as the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the used glass is facilitated by thermal decomposition of the gel phase, instead of viscous flow sintering of glass. This finding enabled the preparation of glass membranes (∼78 vol% open porosity), by direct firing of hardened suspensions, avoiding any surfactant addition and mechanical stirring. The powders obtained by crushing of hardened suspensions, even in unfired state, may be used as a low-cost sorbent for dye removal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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Review

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31 pages, 5828 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances on Porous Siliceous Materials Derived from Waste

by Daniele Montini, Claudio Cara, Massimiliano D’Arienzo, Barbara Di Credico, Silvia Mostoni, Roberto Nisticò, Luca Pala and Roberto Scotti

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165578 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1539

Abstract

In recent years, significant efforts have been made in view of a transition from a linear to a circular economy, where the value of products, materials, resources, and waste is maintained as long as possible in the economy. The re-utilization of industrial and agricultural waste into value-added products, such as nanostructured siliceous materials, has become a challenging topic as an effective strategy in waste management and a sustainable model aimed to limit the use of landfill, conserve natural resources, and reduce the use of harmful substances. In light of these considerations, nanoporous silica has attracted attention in various applications owing to the tunable pore dimensions, high specific surface areas, tailorable structure, and facile post-functionalization. In this review, recent progress on the synthesis of siliceous materials from different types of waste is presented, analyzing the factors influencing the size and morphology of the final product, alongside different synthetic methods used to impart specific porosity. Applications in the fields of wastewater/gas treatment and catalysis are discussed, focusing on process feasibility in large-scale productions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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30 pages, 10383 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research on the Manufacturing Process and Heat Transfer Performance of Ultra-Thin Heat Pipes: A Review

by Liuyang Duan, Hang Li, Jinguang Du, Kun Liu and Wenbin He

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5459; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155459 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3775

Abstract

This paper reviews the manufacturing process of ultra-thin heat pipes and the latest process technologies in detail, focusing on the progress of the shape, structure, and heat transfer mechanism of the wick. The effects of the filling rate and tilt angle on the heat transfer performance of the ultra-thin heat pipe, as well as the material selection of ultra-thin heat pipes, is sorted out, and the surface modification technology is analyzed. Besides, the optimal design based on heat pipes is discussed. Spiral woven mesh wick and multi-size composite wick have significant advantages in the field of ultra-thin heat pipe heat transfer, and comprehensive surface modification technology has huge potential. Finally, an outlook on future scientific research in the field of ultra-thin heat pipes is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Ceramics, Glasses and Composites)

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