Technological Properties of Minerals, Cements and Ceramics

The course aims at providing advanced knowledge of the mineral commodities (geomaterials) and protocols used for the production of Portland and Sorel cements, ordinary and special ceramic materials, microporous materials, waste disposal materials, and amorphous materials. The course also features hands-on sessions at department labs dedicated to qualitative and quantitative phase analysis of materials by X-ray powder diffraction method (and based on the Rietveld full-profile fit of the experimental patterns), focused on industrial case studies.

Students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject matters and, with the support of advanced textbooks, reach a level of proficiency including leading edge aspects of this field. By the end of this course, students are expected to master the essentials of production protocols (from raw materials to the final products) used for the production of Portland and Sorel cements, ordinary and special ceramic materials, microporous materials, waste disposal materials, and amorphous materials. Students should develop the ability to gather and interpret data to make independent judgements, being also aware of the relevant economic, social, scientific or ethical consequences.