Sustainable development of ceramics using raw materials derived from industrial waste according[...]

Sustainable development of ceramics using raw materials derived from industrial waste according to the principle of circular economy

Ceramics have applications in everyday life, such as in construction (bricks, tiles, surface coverings, and decoration). To enhance its competitiveness and modernity, this industrial sector has undergone significant scientific and technological transformations in recent decades. Furthermore, it must contend with rising energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint. Villa Petra operates within this field, designing, manufacturing, and selling full-body porcelain stoneware flooring to B2B customers.

The ceramics produced by Villa Petra are composed of silicates, aluminates, carbonates, and other components in smaller quantities, which vary depending on the specific ceramic product. The manufacturing process relies on proven technologies, making further innovation unnecessary. On the other hand, the substitution of raw materials with waste has an interest already demonstrated by recent documented studies.

Based on the principles of a circular economy, the objective of this Ph.D. thesis is to develop ceramics using waste materials. The project will begin with a search for the most suitable waste resources. Artificial intelligence techniques will be employed for this purpose. It will be necessary to collect data from public or commercial databases and develop algorithms using existing libraries. Based on the previously identified resources, the Ph.D. thesis will then focus on the extraction of oxides and their purification using methods yet to be implemented. Substitute inks will then be developed and analyzed in terms of rheology and loss on ignition using laboratory-scale tests. Finally, the new inks will be used to create new coatings.

Company Overview

CEMEF is a research lab of MINES ParisTech I PSL University associated with CNRS, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (Unité Mixte de Recherche CNRS, UMR7635). A multi-disciplinary research laboratory studying the science of materials and forming processes. The lab focuses on research and training in collaboration with industry and sets up research projects with industrial companies.

Role Overview

Ph.D. thesis project in sustainable ceramic development using industrial waste as raw materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature review and identify suitable waste resources for ceramic production.
• Use AI techniques to collect and analyze data from public or commercial databases.
• Develop algorithms using existing libraries to evaluate raw material potential.
• Extract oxides from identified waste materials and explore purification methods.
• Formulate substitute inks and analyze them for rheology and loss on ignition in laboratory-scale tests.
• Apply new inks to create coatings and evaluate their performance.
• Collaborate with industrial partners and contribute to research publications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science.
• In-depth knowledge of mineral chemistry and ceramic processing.
• Advanced proficiency in Python programming.
• Knowledge of complex fluid rheology is recommended.
• Strong interest in experimental work.
• Demonstrated rigor, autonomy, initiative, excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Location

France.