Plates of ceramic samples to accompany a thesis studying the suitability of five clays from the vicinity of Denton, Texas for use in high-school ceramics classes. The abundance of natural clays in Denton County and throughout the state of Texas, the ease with which clays may be obtained, and the ease with which they may be refined for use provide almost unlimited teaching possibilities in high-school art classes. This study of five Denton County clays has proved informative in several respects. It has shown that within the vicinity of Denton there are clays that are suitable for high-school use. Although all these clays may be suitable for one technique of pottery making each may not be suitable for all techniques. Many clays may be used after refining by a simple, quick process without the use of expensive and complicated equipment. Simple glazes, which have an aesthetic as well as a utilitarian value, may be compounded to fit these clays.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The use of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP), normally employed as a framework for all-ceramic restorations, has now started to be used without any veneering ceramics in patients with parafunctional activities. The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of Y-TZP surface roughness on the wear behavior (volume/height loss) against glass-based ceramics (i.e., IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar-Vivadent). Thirty-two Y-TZP full-contour zirconia (Ardent®) sliders (ϕ=2 mm, 1.5 mm in height) were milled in a CAD/CAM unit and sintered according to the manufacturer instructions. Sliders were embedded in brass holders using acrylic resin and then randomly allocated into 2 groups according to the surface treatment (n=16): G1-as-machined and G2-glazed (Diazir®). Empress and e.max antagonists were cut into tabs (13×13×2 mm) wet-finished and also embedded in brass holders. Two-body pin-on-disc wear testing was performed at 1.2 Hz for 25,000 cycles under a 3-kg load. Non-contact profilometry was used to measure antagonist height (μm) and volume loss (mm3). Qualitative data of the testing surfaces and wear tracks were obtained using SEM. Statistics were performed using one- and two-way ANOVAs (α=0.05). The results indicated that G1 yielded significantly higher mean roughness values (Ra=0.83 μm, Rq=1.09 μm) than G2 (Ra=0.53 μm, Rq=0.78 μm). Regarding antagonist loss, G1 caused significantly less antagonist mean height and volume loss (68.4 μm, 7.6 mm3) for Empress than G2 (84.9 μm, 9.9 mm3) while no significant differences were found for e.max. Moreover, Empress significantly showed lower mean height and volume loss than e.max (p<0.0001). SEM data revealed morphological differences on wear characteristics between the two ceramics against Y-TZP. Within the limitations of this study, e.max wear was not affected by Y-TZP surface roughness. However, Empress wear was greater when opposing glazed Y-TZP. Overall, based on our findings, surface glazing on full-contour Y-TZP did not minimize glass-ceramic antagonist wear when compared with as-machined group.

The purpose of this study is to determine the suitability of five clays from the vicinity of Denton, Texas for use in high-school ceramics classes. The abundance of natural clays in Denton County and throughout the state of Texas, the ease with which clays may be obtained, and the ease with which they may be refined for use provide almost unlimited teaching possibilities in high-school art classes. This study of five Denton County clays has proved informative in several respects. It has shown that within the vicinity of Denton there are clays that are suitable for high-school use. Although all these clays may be suitable for one technique of pottery making each may not be suitable for all techniques. Many clays may be used after refining by a simple, quick process without the use of expensive and complicated equipment. Simple glazes, which have an aesthetic as well as a utilitarian value, may be compounded to fit these clays.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment in compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Fine Art, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / This paper documents and evaluates the use of ceramics as an aesthetic architectural element in Durban from 1914-2012 with special reference to James Hall (1916-2006), Andrew Walford (b.1942) and Jane du Rand (b.1969). These artists were selected because their work demonstrates a wide range of the use of decorative tiles and mosaics as aesthetic elements in Durban architecture over a period of more than fifty years. Reference is made to the historical use of tiles and mosaics as aesthetic architectural elements in Durban from 1914-1955 in order to provide a context to an investigation and evaluation of the contribution of Hall, Walford and du Rand to the use of tiles and mosaics as an aesthetic architectural element in Durban. The paper begins by highlighting the importance of this study, discusses the role of ceramic architectural adornment and defines terminology for the purpose of this research. In addition an explanation of the research methodology used, research questions and literature review is provided. The study is contextualised through an overview of the historical background of the use of ceramics (tiles and mosaics) as an aesthetic element in architecture. The importance of the use of ceramic elements in relation to architecture, as well as the different techniques and methods of production, are highlighted and related to contemporary practice. The overview provides insight into how the use of ceramic elements in the past has influenced the approach of contemporary practice. My contribution to the use of mosaics as an aesthetic architectural element in Durban and my art practice, in the form of an installation titled passage is discussed and evaluated. The paper concludes by noting that the historical use of tiles and mosaics as aesthetic elements in architecture persists in contemporary art practice. However, the methods of tiled mosaic production and tiled mosaic techniques have been revolutionised extensively. It is evident that, the use of ceramics as an aesthetic element in Durban architecture reflects, both a strong European design influence and a distinctive local identity. / Durban University of Technology Postgraduate Development and Support Directorate

This project addressed two main problems pertaining to Al₂O₃-FeAl2O4 nanocomposites developed via solid state precipitation: the mechanisms for precipitation in ceramic solid solution via reduction reaction, and the mechanisms for the improved mechanical properties and wear resistance of the developed Al2O3-FeAl2O4 nanocomposites. A model was proposed for precipitation in ceramic solid solutions via reduction reactions (the PRCS model). The thermodynamics of reduction reactions during aging treatments under various atmospheres were calculated and discussed relative to the second phase precipitate formation. Attempts were made to measure the corresponding diffusion kinetics using a new theory developed here based on volume fraction profiles of second phase particles in the aged samples. It was found that the measured apparent oxygen vacancy diffusivities conform well to the oxygen vacancy grain boundary diffusion coefficients reported in the literature, and the measured apparent matrix diffusivity conforms well to the Fe3+ ion matrix diffusion coefficients reported in literature. Based on the thermodynamics calculations, diffusion kinetics and some essential mechanisms that were discussed, the PRCS model was proposed. This has two aspects: macroscopic and microscopic. The macroscopic aspect of PRCS model was mainly used to explain the general aspects of microstructure and the distribution of intergranualar second phase particles. The microscopic aspect of the PRCS model was mainly used to explain the precipitation of intragranualar nanoparticles. The mechanical properties, thermal residual stress and wear resistance of selected Al2O3-FeAl2O4 nanocomposites were measured. The results revealed that the Al2O3-FeAl2O4 possessed improved fracture toughness (by around 46%), flexural strength (by around 30%) and abrasive wear resistance (by a factor of around 5) with respect to monolithic alumina. Several mechanisms were proposed to explain the improvements in both mechanical properties and wear resistance. Compressive residual stress was found in the surface layer of Al2O3-FeAl2O4 nanocomposites due to the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between surface layer and bulk parts. Such residual stress was also interpreted as the main reason for the improvements in both mechanical properties and wear resistance.

Abstract Embodied evolves around the tactility of the present body, in relation to the eternal absence and the perishability of itself end the world that surrounds it. I work with ceramic sculpture, where the body in relation to the material and the world is both my theme and my method. The body is always present and a basic condition to experience and make objects; it is the subject, the objectand the execution in my work. The written part of my examwork is based on my process and studiowork.

Το Μεταπόντιο (Μπαζιλικάτα, Ν. Ιταλία) αποτελεί μια από τις πρώτες και σημαντικότερες ελληνικές αποικίες της Αχαΐας, ενώ ταυτόχρονα θεωρείται ως η πρώτη επιτυχημένη προσπάθεια αποικιακού κινήματος σε παγκόσμια κλίμακα. Οι ανασκαφές που έχουν πραγματοποιηθεί στην ευρύτερη περιοχή από τη δεκαετία του 1970 έχουν επιτρέψει την ανάπτυξη μιας ενδελεχούς διεπιστημονικής προσέγγισης σε μια πληθώρα θεματολογιών που αφορούν την ανθρωπολογία, την γεωργία, την αστική γεωγραφία, τις διατροφικές συνήθειες, τις πολιτικές σχέσεις μητρόπολης-αποικίας κ.α. Οι ανασκαφές που έχουν διεξαχθεί στους αρχαιολογικούς χώρους των περιοχών Sant’ Angelo Vecchio, Pantanello και Kerameikos στην περιοχή του Μεταπόντιου έχουν αποκαλύψει εργαστηριακούς χώρους παραγωγής, αρχαίων κεραμικών υλικών αρχαϊκής, ελληνιστικής και ρωμαϊκής περιόδου αναδεικνύοντας την περιοχή ως ένα από τα πλέον σημαντικά κέντρα παραγωγής κεραμικής των περιόδων αυτών. Έχοντας ως απώτερο στόχο να αποτελέσει τη βάση της αρχαιομετρικής μελέτης της κεραμικής ειδωλίων και πήλινων πλακών τύπου Terracotta που αποτελεί σήμα κατατεθέν της συγκεκριμένης περιοχής, η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία έχει ως σκοπό να προσφέρει τις απαραίτητες εκείνες πληροφορίες που απαιτούνται για τις πρώτες ύλες που είναι διαθέσιμες στην περιοχή, τον πετρογραφικό και γεωχημικό χαρακτηρισμό της τοπικής κεραμικής αλλά και για την τεχνολογία και την παραγωγική διαδικασία που ακολούθησαν οι αρχαίοι κεραμείς. Για την απόληψη πρώτων υλών πραγματοποιήθηκαν διατρήσεις βάθους έως 2 μέτρων εντός των αρχαιολογικών χώρων του Sant’ Angelo Vecchio και του Pantanello. Ως κεραμικό υλικό επιλέχθηκε να μελετηθούν κεραμικά δομικά υλικά, κυρίως κέραμοι αλλά και πλάκες κάλυψης ταφικών δομών και πήλινοι αγωγοί αποστράγγισης. Συνολικά επιλέχθηκαν 37 δείγματα αρχαίων κεράμων, 2 κονιάματα, 6 δείγματα αργιλικών πρώτων υλών και 2 δείγματα άμμων. Ο κύριος σκοπός της μελέτης αυτής ήταν ο προσδιορισμός των ιστολογικών και συστασιακών τους χαρακτηριστικών ώστε να καθοριστεί η προέλευση των δειγμάτων αυτών με τη χρήση ορυκτολογικών, πετρογραφικών και γεωχημικών αναλύσεων. Τα συμπεράσματα που προέκυψαν, επέτρεψαν το σχηματισμό και χαρακτηρισμό συστασιακών ομάδων βάσει της ορυκτολογικής, πετρογραφικής και χημικής τους σύστασης, καθώς και την εξαγωγή συμπερασμάτων για τις συνθήκες όπτησης του αρχαιολογικού υλικού. Στα παραπάνω αποτελέσματα στηρίχθηκε και ο σχεδιασμός του πειραματικού σταδίου, που συμπεριέλαβε την παρασκευή κεραμικών δοκιμίων (briquettes) από τα επιλεγμένα δείγματα αργιλικών πρώτων υλών και εν συνεχεία την πειραματική τους έψηση. Η σύγκριση των πετρογραφικών και χημικών δεδομένων μεταξύ των κεράμων και των αργιλικών πρώτων υλών οδήγησε στην ταυτοποίηση των αργίλων από την περιοχή Sant’ Angelo Vecchio ως πηγή της πρώτης ύλης που χρησιμοποιήθηκε σε μέγιστο βαθμό για την κεραμική ύλη στην περιοχή αυτή. Στην περιοχή του Pantanello, αντίθετα δεν κατέστη δυνατή η άμεση συσχέτιση των πρώτων υλών που αναλύθηκαν με τις αρχαίες κεράμους που μελετήθηκαν από την περιοχή, ωστόσο τα αποτελέσματα έδωσαν σημαντικά στοιχεία που υποδεικνύουν μια περισσότερο πολύπλοκη διαδικασία παραγωγής. / The colonization of the Metaponto area (Basilicata, Southern Italy) is considered as the first successful colonial movement worldwide. The strong relationship of the colonies established therein with the area of Achaia (Greece) has indicated the latter as the possible Metropolis. The archaeological excavations carried out in the area since the 1970s, have triggered the interest of the archaeologists and led them to apply several multi-disciplinary research projects in a variety of themes relating to anthropology, agriculture, urban geography, eating habits, social-economic relations between metropolis-colony etc. The excavations that carried out at the archaeological sites of Sant' Angelo Vecchio, Pantanello and Kerameikos in Metaponto, have revealed ancient ceramics of Archaic, Hellenistic and Roman periods at ceramic workshops and indicated this area as one of the most important pottery production centers throughout time. Coroplastic figurines and Terracotta plates as well as table ware and cooking ware constitute some of the most important expressions of the ceramic artisans in this area. Aiming to build a scientific foundation for the detailed archaeometric study of likewise material, the effort of the present study was to establish the means and the tools towards such an approach. In order to achieve this, the local ceramic production should have been characterized by means of compositional and textural parameters aiming to play the role of local reference groups. In this respect, clayey raw materials and ceramic tiles have been selected from the study area and studied by employing minero-petrographic and geochemical techniques. Sampling of the raw materials was performed in the archaeological sites of Sant' Angelo Vecchio and Pantanello by perforations to a depth of 2 meters. The ceramic materials selected comprise roof tiles, tomb tiles and drainage pipes. The selected material included 37 samples of ceramic tiles, 2 samples of mortars, 6 samples of Pliocene clayey sediments and 2 sand samples. The main purpose of the study was to establish local ceramic reference groups and draw conclusions about the conditions of firing of the ancient tiles. The laboratory work included the preparation of briquettes from the selected samples of clay sediments and their experimental firing in a high temperature kiln. The analyses performed in both the ceramic samples and the experimental briquettes comprised their macroscopic observation, mineralogical and petrographic examination and geochemical analysis. The comparison between them has permitted to identify the clays source employed for the manufacture of the tiles from Sant’ Angelo Vecchio. On the other hand, in Pantanello a similarly straightforward correlation between the tiles and the locally available clayey raw material was not easy to be highlighted. The results revealed important evidence suggesting a more complex production chain in that area

Music is a powerful force. It highlights social hierarchies and relationships. It is a means by which the ordinary everyday can be transformed into the sacred. It has the ability to change our daily routine. How though, was music used, and in what ways did it function in the courtly society of the ancient Maya? In Classic Maya iconography we frequently find scenes of dance performance, ritual, or palace scenes depicted with musicians. Rarely however, are musicians the central focus of the action taking place. Were Maya musicians simply a background ‘soundtrack’ to the primary action unfolding or were they an integral part of Maya courtly life?This thesis conducts an iconographical analysis of the representations of music, musical instruments, and musicians among the Maya along with the consideration of archaeological evidence. The evidence considered comes primarily from the iconography of musicians and musical instruments depicted on several painted ceramic vessels but also takes into consideration iconography found in the murals of Bonampak and the paintings at Naj Tunich Cave, as well as archaeological evidence that appears in the form of preserved instruments at sites such as Pacbitun and the Copan Valley. For the ancient Maya, music was segmented. This is seen in the types of instruments and their groupings as portrayed in Maya iconography. These groupings denote differing categories of musical forms and functions which pertain to particular settings, such as interior palace settings as compared to exterior public settings.In exploring these images, many characteristics common to the depiction of musicians in interior palace settings become apparent that are not see in depictions of musicians in exterior public settings. First, the musicians are depicted kneeling, seated, or standing still. Second, they are located furthest from the most prominent figure. Third, acoustics do not affect instrument choice. Fourth, the form of attire varies more greatly in interior settings than in exterior settings. Finally, the order of instruments remains as standard as those in exterior settings. These scenes provide further evidence of instrument specialization and musical segmentation in Maya music and emphasize the significance music held in Ancient Maya Culture. / text

Depuis 1999, le Centre de recherches archéologiques de l'Université libre de Bruxelles a entrepris l'étude de la tombe thébaine numéro 29 à Cheikh Abd el-Gourna, construite pour le vizir et maire de la ville Aménémopé sous le règne d'Amenhotep II (vers 1425-1401 av. J.-C.). La fouille du monument, sous la direction du Professeur Roland Tefnin, a été menée suivant deux axes de recherches. Le premier, dans une perspective synchronique, visait à étudier les aménagements et le fonctionnement d'origine de la tombe, sous la 18e dynastie. Le second, dans une perspective diachronique, visait à reconstituer l'histoire du monument et de ses occupations successives jusqu'à l'intervention de la mission. La thèse porte sur les résultats de cette seconde approche, et plus particulièrement sur l'analyse des occupations de l'antiquité tardive et post-antiques. Celles-ci se distinguent par une affectation de l'espace différente de sa fonction d'origine : la tombe n'est plus utilisée comme lieu de sépulture et de culte funéraire mais comme habitation. La fouille a ainsi livré les vestiges d'une installation érémitique datée des VIIe et VIIIe siècles de notre ère, associés à un matériel archéologique et épigraphique particulièrement abondant, ainsi que les ruines d'une maison villageoise construite durant la seconde moitié du XIXe siècle.

<p>In this thesis different aspects of calcium-aluminate (CA) as biomaterial are presented. Calcium aluminate is a chemically bonded ceramic with inherent properties making it suitable for use as biomaterial in some applications. In this thesis the emphasis is put on the basic chemical, physical and mechanical properties that may be achieved using the CA system as well as synthesis of the CA raw material. The basis for using CA in any application is the synthesis of the raw material. Different synthesis routes for producing CA are presented with focus on high temperature routes and the micro-structural and phase development during synthesis. As a base for further understanding of the CA properties a thorough outline of the reaction chemistry for CA is presented also including a description of how the reactions may be controlled and how formulations can be designed. The surface reactions of CA when subjected to simulated body fluid showed that CA is <i>in vitro</i> bioactive. An <i>in vivo</i> study in teeth also indicates that CA produces apatite at the tooth material interface. Dental materials are subjected to a harsh environment in the mouth with high mechanical forces, erosion and thermal changes. Also the demands on precise handling characteristics are high. For these reasons the <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of physical and mechanical properties are important. In this work several mechanical and physical properties of Ca-based formulations for dental applications has been tested using different methods. Some attention is also put on the specific characteristics of CA and the difficulties that arise when new material classes needs to be tested according to consensus standard methods. Finally studies on a CA-based formulation intended for Vertebroplasty is presented. The studies include basic mechanical properties as well as testing the material in an <i>in vitro</i> model utilising synthetic cancellous bone.</p>