The behavior of the $Pm\overline{3}m\text{−}R\overline{3}c$ phase transition in $\mathrm{La}\mathrm{Al}{\mathrm{O}}_3$ ($T_{\mathrm{C}}=813\mathrm{K}$ from differential scanning calorimetry measurements) has been studied using temperature-dependent measurements of the crystal structure, dielectric relaxation, specific heat, birefringence, and the frequencies of the two soft modes (via Raman spectroscopy). While all these experiments show behavior near $T_{\mathrm{C}}$ consistent with a second-order Landau transition, there is extensive evidence for additional anomalous behavior below $730\mathrm{K}$. Below this temperature, the two soft mode frequencies are not proportional to each other, the spontaneous strain is not proportional to the square of the $\mathrm{Al}{\mathrm{O}}_6$ rotation angle, and anomalies are seen in the birefringence. Twin domains, which are mobile above $730\mathrm{K}$, are frozen below $730\mathrm{K}$. These anomalies are consistent with biquadratic coupling between the primary order parameter of the transition ($\mathrm{Al}{\mathrm{O}}_6$ rotation) and a second process. From the dielectric results, which indicate a smooth but rapid increase in conductivity in the temperature range $500–800\mathrm{K}$, we propose that this second process is hopping of intrinsic oxygen vacancies. These vacancies are essentially static below $730\mathrm{K}$ and dynamically disordered above $730\mathrm{K}$. The interaction between static vacancies and the displacive phase transition is unfavorable. A similar anomaly may be observed in other aluminate perovskites undergoing the same transition.

The high-temperature dehydroxylation and structural change of talc, Mg₃(Si₂O₅)₂(OH)₂, has been investigated in detail using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The data (in the region of 20–12000 cm⁻¹) on quenched samples show that absorptions from structurally incorporated OH and OD, as well as NH₄-like species, have similar temperature dependences in dehydroxylation. The OH species exhibit weak variation in frequency on heating, which is inconsistent with thermally induced weakening of O-H bonds. Dehydroxylation in talc is a complex process that involves proton migrations and formation of new OH species. Additional fundamental OH bands near 3665 and 3745 cm⁻¹ became detectable near 900 °C. On further heating the former disappear near 1200 °C, whereas the latter became undetectable near 1350 °C. The occurrence of CO₂ is observed in samples quenched between 600 and 1250 °C. The phonon spectrum (20–1500 cm⁻¹) of the dehydroxylate (obtained by annealing the sample at 1000 °C) gives features significantly different from that of talc, indicating the loss of the original layer structure. The IR data imply that the talc dehydroxylate consists of disordered SiO₂ and enstatite (MgSiO₃). Although MgSiO₃ exists dominantly in the form of orthoenstatite, the characteristic bands of clinoenstatite phase are found to coexist in the samples treated at 1000 °C. The IR data from in situ measurements show that protons become mobile at temperatures below the dehydroxylation and an extra OH species near 3500 cm⁻¹ develops on heating. This new species is not quenchable, and it decreases intensity on cooling and disappears at room temperature. The in situ results also indicate external carbon-related substances can diffuse into talc during dehydroxylation.

Iron substitution into sphalerite, ZnS, has been studied systematically by infrared spectroscopy. A range of natural and synthetic compositions, (Zn_1–xFe_x)S, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.24, were examined. The IR spectrum of pure ZnS contains a single strong absorption band at 320 cm⁻¹. With addition of FeS, the spectra become broader and shoulders appear. For compositions ≥9 mol% FeS, a splitting of the main peak occurs, and the spectra show two absorption maxima at approximately 300 and 315 cm⁻¹, respectively. The observation of such extra features does not correspond to the usual behavior observed in other ternary mixed crystals, where either one-, two-, or mixed-mode behavior is observed. The spectra can be deconvoluted into up to three peaks, main Peaks A and B at around 300 and 315 cm⁻¹, respectively, and a shoulder at around 330 cm⁻¹ (Peak C). The positions and area of the peaks do not change significantly with increasing Fe content. The peak at 315 cm⁻¹ is the main absorption peak of the host ZnS structure, and the peak at 300 cm⁻¹ is an impurity induced mode. An effective linewidth parameter Δ_corr was determined by autocorrelation analysis for each spectrum, but there are no obvious trends in the values of Δ_corr that can be interpreted in terms of an inhomogeneous distribution of Fe within the sphalerite structure.

This seminal study explores systemic sustainability within the Industry 5.0 paradigm, using the strategic lens of geoanthropology to shape the emerging concept of Industry 6.0. A transdisciplinary approach is adopted, integrating geoanthropological insights into the analysis of the Italian ceramic district. Seven key factors are considered: resource consumption, production dynamics, innovation, environmental impact, social impact, market dynamics, and economic impact. Historical events such as changes in Italian industrial policy, market slowdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic are identified as significant for the sector. A contingent analysis tailored to the unique characteristics of the ceramic district provides an in-depth understanding of its challenges and opportunities. The incorporation of geoanthropology provides a transdisciplinary perspective that allows for an in-depth examination of the complex interactions between people and their environment in an industrial setting. The study highlights the central role of innovation, digitalization, and government policies in driving positive changes in production efficiency, market dynamics, and economic impact. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including the delicate balance between environmental sustainability and resource consumption, as well as the effective management of the social impacts of digitization. To address these challenges, a systemic sustainability index derived from geoanthropological insights is proposed as a pragmatic tool to measure and guide the development of sustainability initiatives in the ceramic district. The results of this study not only pave the way for new horizons in sustainability assessment but also provide valuable insights for industrial district managers to formulate strategies that foster organizational flexibility and resilience.