Sintering and Firing in the Ceramics Industry

The Ceramics industry is a key component of the UK Foundation Industries. In support of the industry, the 2021 Ceramic Innovation Network (CIN) events are aimed at bringing together academics and industrialists from all subsectors of the ceramic industry seeking to explore the development and innovation opportunities of sintering and firing in the industry. This is the second, and main event, in the series.

Supported by KTN, CIN is led by British Ceramic Confederation (BCC) and Lucideon. It is also supported by the University of Surrey and the Ceramics Society.

Ceramics are manufactured widely in the UK and used by many industries, from components for modern electronics and healthcare to bricks for construction and refractory kiln linings essential for glass and metal processing furnaces. All require sintering or firing at high temperature and over long timescales to produce the unique properties of ceramic products from their base materials. With industry’s increasing focus on resource efficiency and net zero emissions, this event will explore new and emerging technologies aimed at achieving the goals of more efficient sintering and firing including reduced energy use, lower process temperatures and increased speed and yield.

• 10:00 – Welcome & Introduction
• 10:05 – An update on Flash Sintering: Progress in Mechanisms, Materials and Properties | Prof Richard Todd, Oxford University
• 10:25 – Next Generation Sintering | Dr. David Pearmain, Lucideon
• 10:45 – Digital Twin of Ceramic Processing | Prof Jingzhe Pan, Leicester University
• 11:05 – Q&A
• 11:15 – Tomorrow’s firing and energy challenges in the Heavy Clay Industry | Stephane Vissiere, Wienerberger
• 11:35 – Waste Heat Energy Recovery Potential | Dr. Russell Hall, Warwick Manufacturing Group
• 11:55 – KTN Support to access Funding and Collaborations | Dr. Robert Quarshie / Jenni McDonnell, KTN
• 12:15 – Q&A
• 12:25 – Closing Remarks