RESEARCH LINES

Traditional ceramics

Synthesis of ceramic pigments by different routes (reaction between solids at high temperature, solution combustion synthesis, hydrothermal, ...)
Development of ceramic products (tiles) with improved technical characteristics (anti-slip, high thermal and/or electrical conductivity, thermal insulation, low density, moisture regulation, adsorption of contaminants, self-healing..)
Functionalization of ceramic surfaces: bactericidal, self-cleaning, photocatalytic, high solar reflectance...

Ceramic coatings on metal or ceramic surfaces by plasma spraying with various applications: wear resistance, thermal barriers, implants, etc.
Ceramic decorations by spray pyrolysis
Ceramic membranes for different applications (catalytic reactors, biological membrane reactors, ion exchange membranes for electrodialysis, ...)
Ceramic electrodes for the removal of emerging and/or refractory contaminants by electrooxidation
Ceramics with electromagnetic properties
Development of bioactive ceramic materials

Development of thermostable systems with optimized properties (abrasion/erosion resistance, fire resistance, hydrophobicity, thermal conductivity, slip resistance, ...)
Functional paints and coatings (antifouling, photocatalysis, bactericide, electrical conductivity, ...)
UV curing paints and coatings
Sensors and coatings with selective response (thermochromic, pyroelectric, fluorescent, ...)
Compounds with selective response to microwaves

Design and formulation of raw material mixtures for the manufacture of ceramic products: tiles, white ceramics, red ceramics, high-tech ceramics, etc.
Optimization of the manufacturing process through the study and analysis of its different stages: preparation of compositions, spray drying, shaping, drying, decoration, sintering and machining
Analysis and characterization of manufacturing defects

Rheology and colloidal stability
Study of additives for suspensions
Surface and microstructural characterization: roughness, specific surface area, porosity, pore size, grain size, etc.
Determination of mechanical properties: bending resistance, abrasion, hardness, scratching, etc.
Determination of thermal properties: thermal conductivity, diffusiveness, heat capacity
Determination of functional properties: permeability, photocatalytic activity, bioactivity, solar reflectance, gloss, etc.

Application of the circular economy to the ceramic manufacturing process: eco-design, reuse of waste from the ceramic industry, recovery of waste from other industries, reuse of wastewater, etc.
Life cycle analysis studies to address environmental challenges
Environmental communication and eco-labelling
Selection and optimization of the Best Available Techniques in industrial processes

Advanced separation processes: treatment of effluents with membranes
Improving energy efficiency in thermal processes and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions
Analysis of the emission of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter from diffuse and channeled sources
Development of air quality plans in industrial areas
Evaluation and minimization of occupational exposure to respirable particulate matter and/or crystalline silica
Implementation of technologies to reduce the toxicity of breathable crystalline silica
Evaluation and minimization of exposure to nanoparticles in work environments