Work Packages
WP1 — Synthesis from pure raw materials (Co, Cu, Ni)
Lead: Prof. Irena Georgieva Markovska, PhD
Schedule: Months 1–12
Planned activities
• Determine optimal synthesis conditions (temperature profiles, soaking time, mineralisers).
• Phase analysis using XRD, FTIR, EPR, and electron microscopy.
• Colour characterisation (spectrophotometry, CIELAB coordinates).
• Comparative study of solid‑state vs sol–gel synthesis.
Expected outcomes
• Mullite and mullite–corundum pigments synthesised via solid‑state sintering with varying phase composition and colour.
• Technological conditions established and optimal parameters identified for synthesis.
• Comprehensive characterisation of pigments across all available methods.
Performance indicators: ≥1 article in an indexed journal (IF/IR) and ≥2 publications based on papers presented at international conferences.
WP2 — Synthesis from waste raw materials (Co, Cu, Ni)
Lead: Assoc. Prof. Tsvetan Ivanov Dimitrov, PhD
Schedule: Months 7–18
Planned activities
• Experiments using waste raw materials: rice‑husk ash and spent industrial catalysts.
• Characterisation of waste catalysts (e.g., from Lukoil Neftochim – Burgas) and rice‑husk ash; determination of their phase and chemical composition; recalculation of pigment batch compositions based on oxide content.
• Optimisation of synthesis parameters (firing temperature, soaking time, type/amount of mineralisers).
• Property assessment via XRD, FTIR, EPR, electron microscopy, colour measurements.
Expected outcomes
• Determined phase and chemical composition of waste raw materials.
• Optimised synthesis conditions; synthesised and fully characterised pigments.
Performance indicators: ≥1 article in an indexed journal (IF/IR) and ≥2 publications based on papers presented at international conferences.
WP3 — Synthesis from pure raw materials (Cr, Fe, Mn)
Activities analogous to WP1, employing Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, and Mn³⁺/⁴⁺ chromophores; includes phase analysis, colour measurements, comparative assessment of synthesis routes, and high‑temperature stability studies.
WP4 — Synthesis from waste raw materials (Cr, Fe, Mn)
Activities analogous to WP2; recalculation of batch compositions based on actual oxide content in the wastes; synthesis and characterisation; benchmarking against pigments from pure raw materials.
WP5 — Project visibility and outreach
Creation and maintenance of a project website; participation in international conferences; public lectures, internal seminars, and thematic events; dissemination to academic and general audiences.
WP6 — Project management and dissemination
Scientific, administrative, and financial coordination; partner liaison; progress control; preparation of interim and final scientific and financial reports; dissemination through impact‑factor journals and conference participation.
WORK PACKAGE 1 — Experiments on the synthesis of mullite and mullite–corundum ceramic pigments
using pure raw materials, by introducing Co, Cu and Ni ions as chromophores.
Start and end: Month 1 to Month 12
WP Lead: Prof. Irena Georgieva Markovska, PhD
Planned activities
Activity 1.1
Investigate the technological conditions for pigment synthesis via solid‑state sintering using pure
raw materials, and determine the optimal synthesis parameters — firing temperature and
temperature dwell time.
Expected result
Mullite and mullite–corundum ceramic pigments synthesised by solid‑state sintering with varying
phase composition and colour. The technological conditions for pigment synthesis are identified
and the optimal synthesis parameters refined.
Activity 1.2
Characterise the properties of the pigments obtained using X‑ray diffraction (XRD), infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electron microscopy, colour
measurement, and other relevant methods.
Expected result
Comprehensive characterisation of the pigments by all applicable methods.
Activity 1.3
Synthesis of pigments by the sol–gel method. Comparative assessment of the pigments obtained by
the two routes with respect to the amount of mullite and mullite–corundum formed (quantified by
XRD), synthesis temperature, pigment structure, and other parameters.
Expected result
Identification of optimal synthesis conditions most suitable for practical application. Mullite and
mullite–corundum pigments obtained and characterised.
Performance indicators (interim/final)
At least one publication in a journal with an impact factor/rank, and at least two publications based
on papers presented at international conferences.
WORK PACKAGE 2 — Experiments on the synthesis of mullite and mullite–corundum ceramic pigments
using waste raw materials, by introducing Co, Cu and Ni ions as chromophores.
Start and end: Month 7 to Month 18
WP Lead: Assoc. Prof. Tsvetan Ivanov Dimitrov, PhD
Planned activities
Activity 2.1
Conduct experiments using waste raw materials — rice‑husk ash and spent industrial catalysts — to
produce pigments. Characterise the spent catalysts from Lukoil Neftochim – Burgas and the rice‑husk
ash: determine their phase and chemical composition and other relevant characteristics. Recalculate
the pigment batch compositions according to the oxide content and the chemical composition of the
waste raw materials.
Expected result
The phase and chemical composition of the waste raw materials are determined. The pigment
compositions are recalculated based on the oxide contents of the wastes.
Activity 2.2
Investigate the technological conditions for pigment synthesis and determine the optimal synthesis
parameters — firing temperature and temperature dwell time; mineralisers — type and amount.
Expected result
Technological conditions for pigment synthesis identified and optimal synthesis parameters refined —
firing temperature and temperature dwell time.
Activity 2.3
Characterise the properties of the pigments obtained by XRD, FTIR, EPR, electron microscopy, colour
measurement, and other relevant methods.
Expected result
Optimal synthesis conditions identified. Pigments obtained and characterised.
Performance indicators (interim/final)
At least one publication in a journal with an impact factor/rank, and at least two publications based
on papers presented at international conferences.