The Instituto Universitario de Tecnología Cerámica Agustín Escardino (Agustín Escardino’s University Institute of Ceramic Technology, known also as IUTC) is a research institute focused on the different areas of ceramic materials engineering. The institute is currently part of the Jaume I University of Castellón (Spain), and composed mainly by professors and researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering.
The IUTC’s origin dates to 1969 as Technical Chemistry Institute at the University of Valencia under the leadership of its founder, professor Agustín Escardino, and composed of professors and researchers from the Department of Technical Chemistry. The institute’s interest in solving the real problems of the Valencian chemical industry was an unusual vocation at the Spanish university of the time. As time went by, the activities of the IUTC were progressively focused on the ceramic field given the growth of the ceramic industry in the Valencian Community, especially in the province of Castellón. As a result, the institute’s activities concentrated almost exclusively on ceramic engineering from 1975 onwards.
Two important changes took place in 1983. Firstly, activity began on the facilities of the University College of Castellón, which had been integrated into the University of Valencia in 1979. The new facilities took advantage of the geographical proximity to the ceramic sector. Secondly, a cooperation agreement was signed between the IUTC and the recently created research association of the ceramic industries (a private non-profit research entity formed by the ceramic companies and supported by the Valencian regional government). This agreement was aimed at strengthening the technological capacity of the traditional Valencian ceramic sector (mainly tiles, frits, glazes and pigments) and thus increasing its competitiveness. Under this agreement an important volume of applied research has been developed, which has facilitated the international expansion of the Valencian ceramic industry.
The creation of the Jaume I University of Castellon (UJI) in 1991 was a radical change, as the IUTC was attached to the new university due to its close relationship with the province’s ceramic sector. This meant the extension of its facilities on the Borriol road campus and the consequent abandonment of the facilities of the University of Valencia in Burjassot. Subsequently, in 1997, the IUTC moved to the newly constructed building on the Riu Sec Campus, where it is currently located.
The Institute’s activity has been reflected in both the teaching and research fields. In the case of teaching, the IUTC has participated in the training work of the University through the teaching of its members in different programs related to chemical engineering (more than 800 UJI graduates), the training of doctors (57 Ph.D theses defended) or customised teaching for companies (participation in more than 400 training courses). The research has been carried out through privately and publicly funded projects (over 1300 and 600 respectively), which have generated some 690 scientific articles, 1000 conference papers and 60 patents in which members of the institute have participated.
Currently, the focus on traditional ceramics has been extended to other areas of interest within or related to ceramic engineering. Specifically, other lines of work are:
• New applications of ceramics (coatings, membranes, electroceramics,…).
• Nanotechnology and printing technologies
• Hybrid materials polymers-ceramics.
• Manufacturing processes.
• Ceramic materials characterization (Rheology, microstructure, mechanical, thermal and functional properties).
• Environment, occupational health and energy.
In addition, the institute is open to research on other topics related to synthesis, processing, characterization or applications of different ceramic materials if required.
Director of the University Institute of Ceramic Technology
Professor – vilches@uji.es
Dra. Adriana Belda Peña
Dra. María Dolores Palacios Tejero
Dra. Nuria Vicente Agut
Dr. Eugeni Cañas Recacha
Dr. Víctor Carnicer Cervera
D. Javier Castellano Brull
D. Andrés Mormeneo Segarra
