In 2026, the Department of Ceramics, Refractories, Glass and Enamels Technology of the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The official founding year of the department as an independent academic unit is considered to be 1926. However, its origins trace back to 1910, when it functioned as part of the Department of Mineral Substances Technology, led by the prominent scientist, Academician Ye.I. Orlov.
The training of specialists and scientific research in the field of silicate technologies began in 1910 at the Department of Mineral Raw Materials under the guidance of Academician Ye.I. Orlov, who also served as Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry. A distinguished chemical technologist, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Honored Professor, Ye.I. Orlov authored over 130 scientific works, including a monograph on the production technology of silicates, mineral pigments, and more. His scientific contributions in the field of general chemical technology laid the foundation for the development of a scientific school in the physical chemistry of silicates.
The Department of Ceramics Technology was officially established in 1926 as part of the Kharkiv Chemical-Technological Institute. Its first head (1926–1941) and founder of the scientific school was the world-renowned scientist, Hero of Socialist Labor, three-time State Prize Laureate, Honored Worker of Science and Technology, Academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Petro Petrovych Budnikov. He mentored an entire generation of prominent scientists, both in Ukraine and abroad, including Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor H.V. Kukolev (head of the department from 1944 to 1974), Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine A.S. Berezhnoi (head from 1974 to 1984), Professors L.D. Svirsky, Ye.I. Vedya, N.V. Pitak, and many others.
The first staff of the Silicate Department of the Kharkiv Chemical-Technological Institute (1926). In the center – the first head of the department and founder of the scientific school, world-renowned scientist, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor P.P. Budnikov
The scientific leadership of P.P. Budnikov was characterized by a sharp awareness of the most urgent problems facing domestic science and technology, with an understanding of international developments; deep theoretical knowledge; an exceptionally broad range of research interests; innovation and inventiveness, which were clearly reflected in the original and effective solutions to scientific challenges; and a remarkable ability to combine theoretical work with practical applications. He successfully adapted experience from other fields to advance science and technology in his domain. P.P. Budnikov’s research identified and defined the key problems of physical chemistry and silicate technology. His body of work comprises over 800 scientific papers, including more than 50 monographs and textbooks. Academician P.P. Budnikov conducted groundbreaking research in the field of chemically resistant, refractory, and high-refractory materials for the coke, chemical, and metallurgical industries. His scientific efforts were dedicated to the kinetics of solid-phase reactions, thermochemistry of binders, the chemical and thermal resistance of refractories, and the corrosion of cements and concrete.
In the years that followed, the department was led and its scientific school developed by Associate Professor Z.A. Livson (1941–1944), Professor H.V. Kukolev (1944–1974), Academician A.S. Berezhnoi (1974–1984), and Professor M.I. Ryshchenko (1984–2018).
Professor H.V. Kukolev’s field of scientific interest encompassed theoretical studies in the physico-chemical mechanics and sintering theory of clay and silicate materials, with a strong emphasis on the practical application of research results. He authored 150 scientific publications, including influential textbooks such as Physical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry of Silicates, Problem Book on Chemistry and Physical Chemistry of Silicates, and Technology of Ceramics and Refractories. During Professor Kukolev’s tenure as head of the department, significant contributions were made to the development of the physico-chemical foundations of ceramic, refractory, binder, glass, and heat-resistant coating production. The department also played a vital role in the modernization of refractory plants and in the implementation of energy-saving technologies, utilizing surfactants and industrial by-products.
In 1974, the department was headed by Academician A.S. Berezhnoi, a scientist of international renown in the field of physical chemistry of silicates and founder of the subsystems-based structure of phase diagrams in multicomponent silicate systems. Academician Berezhnoi authored over 200 scientific works. His fundamental monographs on the physical chemistry of silicates summarized extensive research on solid-phase reactions and the structure of multicomponent oxide systems. In recognition of his contributions, the branch of the department at PJSC “Ukrainian Research Institute of Refractories” was named after him. His name is included in the International Biographical Dictionary of Outstanding People of the 20th Century (Cambridge, UK).
From its inception, the department’s research has followed a unified direction, which became the defining theme of its scientific school: “Physico-chemical foundations for the development of new heat-resistant non-metallic silicate composite materials and coatings.” This direction was initially established by Academician P.P. Budnikov and further developed by Professors H.V. Kukolev, Ye.I. Vedya, Academician A.S. Berezhnoi, and Professor L.D. Svirsky. The department’s scientific school continues to evolve based on the achievements of its outstanding researchers, taking into account global trends in the development of advanced technologies. It now extends into research in nanotechnologies, biomaterials and biotechnologies, resource- and energy-efficient technologies, and non-conventional production methods.
From 1984 to 2018, the department was led by its alumnus, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Ukrainian Technological Academy Mykhailo Ivanovych Ryshchenko. By Decree No. 726/2008 of the President of Ukraine “On awarding state honors to employees of enterprises, institutions, and organizations on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day”, Ryshchenko was granted the honorary title “Honored Worker of Education of Ukraine” in 2008.
In 2009, he was awarded the title “Honorary Professor of the Dnipropetrovsk State University of Chemical Technology”, and in 2010, he received a Certificate of Honor from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine “For merits to the Ukrainian people.”
Professor Ryshchenko is a prominent scholar and expert in the field of high-temperature non-metallic and silicate materials technology. One of his main achievements was aligning the department’s research focus with the development of advanced, resource- and energy-saving technologies.
From 2018 to 2024, the department was headed by Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Ukrainian Technological Academy Yaroslav Mykolaiovych Pitak, founder of the globally recognized scientific school “Physico-chemical foundations of the structure of multicomponent oxide systems.”
Under his supervision, nine candidates of technical sciences were trained, and over 1,000 highly qualified specialists were educated. Professor Pitak is the author of more than 450 scientific publications, four textbooks endorsed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, two monographs, and dozens of inventor’s certificates and patents.
He is a member of two specialized dissertation councils and serves on the editorial and publishing board of PJSC “UkrNDI Refractories named after A.S. Berezhnoi.” For his scientific and pedagogical achievements, Professor Pitak was awarded the Honorary Diploma and the “Excellence in Education” Badge of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Since 2024, the department has been headed by Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Olena Yuriyivna Fedorenko, who continues the traditions of the globally renowned scientific school “Physico-chemical foundations for the development of new heat-resistant non-metallic silicate composite materials and coatings.”
She leads the research direction entitled “Scientific foundations for energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies for ceramic, composite, and glass materials for modern silicate production.”
Olena Fedorenko serves on two specialized dissertation councils (D 64.050.03 at NTU “KhPI” and D 08.078.02 at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, Dnipro), and she has also been a member of the Expert Council for Scientific Projects of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine — in the “Chemistry” section (2020–2021) and the “Materials Science” section (2022–2024). She also participates in the editorial boards of professional journals including Technology Audit and Production Reserves, Scientific Research on Refractories and Technical Ceramics, and Scientific Bulletin of Construction.
Professor Fedorenko is the author of over 350 scientific publications, including 4 educational manuals approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 8 monographs, and more than 30 patents.
Under her supervision, 8 Candidates of Technical Sciences and over 50 highly qualified specialists have been trained; they are now working in research institutions and industrial enterprises of the sector. The scientific work of talented students and postgraduates under her guidance has repeatedly won regional and national youth competitions. For her achievements in education, Professor Fedorenko has received numerous certificates of honor and diplomas.
Her scientific interests include the following areas:
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investigation of the formation conditions and the relationship between the phase composition and the physico-chemical properties of ceramic materials and protective coatings for various functional purposes;
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development of energy-efficient technologies for the production of densely sintered ceramic products;
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synthesis of new materials with targeted properties;
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development of technologies for products used in specialized, electrical, household, and construction applications.
Olena Fedorenko has extensive experience leading scientific research both within the framework of state-funded programs and industry-sponsored projects. Currently, she supervises two research projects funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
The Department Today
The teaching and research potential of the department is currently represented by 14 staff members, including 6 Doctors of Technical Sciences and 4 Candidates of Technical Sciences holding the title of Associate Professor. Among them are Prof. H.V. Lisachuk, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Honored Scientist and Technician of Ukraine, Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine; Prof. O.Yu. Fedorenko, Doctor of Technical Sciences and member of the Expert Council of the State Attestation Commission of Ukraine; and Prof. H.M. Shabanova, Doctor of Technical Sciences — all of whom lead key scientific directions such as:
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Development of high-performance, densely sintered ceramic materials of a new generation for a wide range of applications in technology and construction;
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Technologies for the creation of silicate and composite materials and coatings with predetermined, including special, properties through controlled phase and structure formation;
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Development of heat-resistant glass-ceramic, glass-composite, and enamel coatings for metal protection;
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Low-temperature synthesis of nanostructures and powders of refractory compounds and the creation of high-efficiency structural, composite materials and refractories using the sol-gel process;
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Physical chemistry of multicomponent oxide systems;
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Physico-chemical foundations for the development of radiation-resistant and refractory binding materials for special purposes and concretes based on them.
Current Composition of the Department of Ceramics, Refractories, Glass and Enamels Technology at NTU “KhPI” (as of 2025)
Over the past five years, Assoc. Prof. V.V. Taranenkova and Senior Researcher O.M. Borysenko have earned the academic degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences.
Each year, department researchers publish 60–70 articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals and participate in more than 10 international conferences and exhibitions, both in Ukraine and abroad — including Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Sweden, the UK, Jordan, and others. In the last 10 years, the department has published over 10 monographs, 7 educational manuals, and 6 sets of methodological guidelines.
Students from 3rd to 6th year actively participate in scientific research, present their findings at national and international conferences, and are co-authors of numerous publications and inventions.
Graduates of the department are successfully employed in various industries across Ukraine and abroad, including the Czech Republic, Slovenia, the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Israel, and more.
Throughout its existence, the department has cooperated with leading institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, including the:
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Institute for Superhard Materials,
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Institute for Problems of Materials Science,
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Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Water Chemistry,
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Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems,
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Ukrainian Physical and Technical Institute,
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Institute of Energy Saving Problems,
as well as with international institutions and companies such as:
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Wismar University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design (Germany),
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F.A. Finger Institute for Building Materials (Weimar, Germany),
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Mefrit and EMO FRITE (Czech Republic),
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National Associations of Enamellers in the USA, France, and Italy.
If you decide to dedicate your career to the creation of modern and advanced materials — essential for virtually every industry — we invite you to study at NTU “KhPI”, a higher educational institution of the highest accreditation level. You can pursue a degree in Specialty G1 – Chemical Technologies and Engineering, with a focus on “Ceramic, Composite, Glass, and Nanomaterials for Technology, Construction, Medicine, and Art Design.”
Training in this specialty is conducted by the Department of Ceramics, Refractories, Glass and Enamels Technology at the Educational and Scientific Institute of Chemical Technologies and Engineering.