Enhancing the durability and aesthetic quality of pottery through the integration of titania nanoceramics in glaze formulations

Abstract

In this work, the impact of titania (TiO₂) nanoceramics on the physical properties of pottery glazes, focusing on mechanicalstrength, wear resistance, thermal stability, and aesthetic quality. The results reveal that increasing the concentration ofTiO₂ nanoparticles significantly enhances the hardness and scratch resistance of the glaze, with hardness reaching up to6.4 GPa and scratch resistance improving to 22 ± 1.8 N at 12.5% TiO₂ concentration. These improvements suggest thatthe incorporation of TiO₂ contributes to a more durable and abrasion-resistant surface, particularly beneficial for potterysubjected to frequent handling or abrasive environments. Furthermore, the study observes a slight decrease in the thermalexpansion coefficient (TEC) as TiO₂ concentration increases, from 6.5 × 10-6/°C at 0% to 6.1 × 10-6/°C at 12.5% TiO₂, whichenhances the thermal stability of the glaze. This reduction in TEC indicates a lower likelihood of cracking or crazing underthermal stress, contributing to the longevity and durability of the ceramic products. A notable reduction in wear rate wasalso observed, decreasing from 0.2 mg/1000 cycles at 0% TiO₂ to 0.01 mg/1000 cycles at 12.5% TiO₂. This suggests that TiO₂nanoparticles significantly improve the wear resistance of the glaze, likely due to the increased hardness and the potentiallubricating effect of TiO₂ at the nanoscale. In terms of aesthetics, the surface gloss of the glaze increased substantially withhigher TiO₂ concentrations, reaching 95 GU at 12.5% TiO₂, indicating a smoother, more reflective surface. Additionally, theUV-blocking properties of TiO₂ contribute to improved color stability, maintaining the vibrancy of the glaze’s color overtime. These findings highlight the dual benefits of TiO₂ nanoparticles in enhancing both the durability and aesthetic qualityof pottery glazes, making them a valuable addition to glaze formulations for high-performance ceramic products.