This book presents a state-of-the-art overview of the major aspects involved in the science, technology and applications of ceramics, glasses and glass-ceramics. After providing an historical perspective of the development and use of ceramics and glasses along the Silk Road, the theoretical background and fabrication techniques of such materials are described and discussed. A special focus is dedicated to emerging high-tech applications in various fields, including medicine, energy, optics and photonics, sensors, sustainability and circular economy. The chapters are written by leading experts in their respective fields and highlight the contemporary challenges associated to each topic. This book will serve as a valuable reference for both early-stage and skilled researchers as well as industry professionals interested in the broad field of glasses and ceramics.

Inhalt
The historical development of porcelain and glass.- Mineralogy and properties of raw materials and crystalline phases of ceramics and glass-ceramics.- Traditional ceramics manufacturing.- Silicate glasses and glass-ceramics: types, role of composition and processing methods.- Glasses and glass-ceramics for biomedical applications.- Glass-ceramic sealants for solid oxide cells research at Politecnico di Torino: an overview on design, sinter-crystallization, integration and interfacial issues.- Optical quality resorbable calcium-phosphate glasses for biophotonic applications.- Glass and glass-ceramic photonic materials for sensors.- Polymer-derived ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) and related materials.- Potential role of vitrification and waste vitrification in the circular economy.