Sustainable development of ceramics using raw materials derived from industrial waste according to the principle of circular economy

Ceramics have applications in everyday life, such as in construction (bricks, tiles, surface coverings, and decoration). To enhance its competitiveness and modernity, this industrial sector has undergone significant scientific and technological transformations in recent decades.

Furthermore, it must contend with rising energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint. Villa Petra operates within this field, designing, manufacturing, and selling full-body porcelain stoneware flooring to B2B customers.

The ceramics produced by Villa Petra are composed of silicates, aluminates, carbonates, and other components in smaller quantities, which vary depending on the specific ceramic product. The manufacturing process relies on proven technologies, making further innovation unnecessary.

On the other hand, the substitution of raw materials with waste has an interest already demonstrated by recent documented studies.

Based on the principles of a circular economy, the objective of this Ph. D. thesis is to develop ceramics using waste materials. The project will begin with a search for the most suitable waste resources. Artificial intelligence techniques will be employed for this purpose. It will be necessary to collect data from public or commercial databases and develop algorithms using existing libraries. Based on the previously identified resources, the Ph. D. thesis will then focus on the extraction of oxides and their purification using methods yet to be implemented. Substitute inks will then be developed and analyzed in terms of rheology and loss on ignition using laboratory-scale tests. Finally, the new inks will be used to create new coatings.

see more here :

https://www.cemef.minesparis.psl.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/phdproposal.pdf

CEMEF is a research lab. of MINES ParisTech I PSL University associated with CNRS, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (Unité Mixte de Recherche CNRS, UMR7635).

  Overall, our missions are research and training in collaboration with industry.

  Our research focuses specifically on materials and their transformation processes in the broadest sense. It extends additionally to other fields such as fluid mechanics, biomechanics or HPC for instance. On the other hand, our training programmes offer post-graduate courses related to our scientific fields of expertise. Furthermore, we are attentive to the scientific needs of industry and we set up research projects with industrial companies.

  A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH LABORATORY

  CEMEF studies the science of materials and forming processes. This twofold research theme is in fact at the origin of the creation of our research lab. Thus, from the outset, CEMEF has been interested in the analysis of manufacturing processes, i.e. it studies the entire chain consisting of the material / the process / the finished product .

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science and possess in-depth knowledge of mineral chemistry and ceramic processing.

Advanced proficiency in Python programming is also required. Knowledge of complex fluid rheology is recommended. A strong interest in experimental work is highly desirable.

Candidates must also demonstrate rigor, autonomy, initiative, and excellent teamwork and communication skills.