Technological Properties of Minerals, Cements and Ceramics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
Lesson period: Second semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
In case of restrictions (for example due to pandemic), the class will be held online.
Course syllabus
- Clinker for Portland cements: natural raw materials, transformation processes (using thermodynamic modelling), crystal-chemistry of the final product, quality control (by law - analytical methods).
- Microporous materials - Natural and synthetic zeolites: occurrence, crystal-chemistry, properties, and applications
- Nuclear waste disposal materials
- Advanced ceramic materials: properties and functions, production processes, quality control
- Amorphous materials in the industry - from raw materials to production and industrial applications. Introduction to characterization with total scattering (X-rays and neutrons) and 'big-box' modelling
- Disordered and nano-crystalline materials - natural and synthetic mineral-like materials with local structural disorder and reduced coherence: the challenge to their structural characterization
Great emphasis will be put on the techniques for the characterization of natural and synthetic polycrystalline materials, with several hands-on sessions in the department laboratories. Seminars held by industry experts and managers will also be possible (program changes every year).
- Microporous materials - Natural and synthetic zeolites: occurrence, crystal-chemistry, properties, and applications
- Nuclear waste disposal materials
- Advanced ceramic materials: properties and functions, production processes, quality control
- Amorphous materials in the industry - from raw materials to production and industrial applications. Introduction to characterization with total scattering (X-rays and neutrons) and 'big-box' modelling
- Disordered and nano-crystalline materials - natural and synthetic mineral-like materials with local structural disorder and reduced coherence: the challenge to their structural characterization
Great emphasis will be put on the techniques for the characterization of natural and synthetic polycrystalline materials, with several hands-on sessions in the department laboratories. Seminars held by industry experts and managers will also be possible (program changes every year).
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology
Teaching methods
The main part of the course is delivered as traditional lessons and hands-on sessions at department labs, along with seminars held by industry experts and managers (subject to availability). However, lab activities cannot be done if this course will be delivered online (due to the COVID19 pandemic or other reasons). Students' questions and interaction are welcome and encouraged. Attendance at lectures is strongly encouraged, but is not considered compulsory.
Teaching Resources
- Slides of the lectures and additional learning material (including manuscripts pertaining to case studies) will be provided
- Altomare A., Cuocci C., Gatta G.D., Moliterni A., Rizzi R. (2017) Methods of crystallography: powder X-ray diffraction. EMU Notes in Mineralogy, Vol. 19, Chapter 2, 79-138 (DOI: 10.1180/EMU-notes.19.3).
- Dinnebier, R.E., Billinge, S.J.L. (2008). Powder Diffraction, Theory and Practice, RSC publishing
- Bish D.L. and Ming D.W., Eds., (2000) Natural zeolites: Occurrence, properties, application. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Vol. 45,. Mineralogical Society of America and Geochemical Society, Washington, U.S.A.
- Baino F., Tomalino M., Tulyaganov D., Eds. (2021) Ceramics, Glass and Glass-Ceramics - From Early Manufacturing Steps Towards Modern Frontiers. Springer Cham, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85776-9
- Taylor H. F. W. (2004) Cement Chemistry (2nd edition). Thomas Telford. ISBN-10: 0727725920.
- Altomare A., Cuocci C., Gatta G.D., Moliterni A., Rizzi R. (2017) Methods of crystallography: powder X-ray diffraction. EMU Notes in Mineralogy, Vol. 19, Chapter 2, 79-138 (DOI: 10.1180/EMU-notes.19.3).
- Dinnebier, R.E., Billinge, S.J.L. (2008). Powder Diffraction, Theory and Practice, RSC publishing
- Bish D.L. and Ming D.W., Eds., (2000) Natural zeolites: Occurrence, properties, application. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Vol. 45,. Mineralogical Society of America and Geochemical Society, Washington, U.S.A.
- Baino F., Tomalino M., Tulyaganov D., Eds. (2021) Ceramics, Glass and Glass-Ceramics - From Early Manufacturing Steps Towards Modern Frontiers. Springer Cham, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85776-9
- Taylor H. F. W. (2004) Cement Chemistry (2nd edition). Thomas Telford. ISBN-10: 0727725920.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessments cover the entire program and are usually carried out by means of an oral exam.
GEO/06 - MINERALOGY - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Dapiaggi Monica, Gatta Giacomo Diego
Professor(s)
Reception:
anytime, just send an email with the request
office, first floor, via Botticelli 23
Reception:
Tue, Wed and Thu: 2.30-6.30 p.m. (please, contact me via email too)
Via Botticelli 23 (first floor). Postal address: Via Botticelli 23, I-20133 Milan (Italy)