Technology

As part of our nano-initiative, Ceramatec, Inc. has synthesized ceramic nanopowders using a nano-powder synthesis process that results in very high purity, high-quality, un-agglomerated, high surface area, nanocrystalline ceramic powders.

We have the capability to invent, develop and scale up proprietary technologies for producing nano-powders for targeted applications like infrared windows, catalysts, fuel cells, and even cosmetics.

Ceramatec looks forward to collaborating and expanding in the area of nanotechnology through research sub-contracts, business partnership, and R&D investments. New ideas and practical approaches are at the forefront of our efforts. Ceramatec may also entertain special custom orders for synthesizing novel nano-ceramic powders.

Powders with different properties for various targeted applications can be synthesized by varying:

• Surface Area
• Crystallite Size
• Paricle Size
• Purity
• Dopant type & dopant concentrations (mixing & dispersion at nano-level)
• Single phase or two phase mixtures (nano-phase mixtures)

NanoCeramic powders – single phase or two phase mixtures of Y₂O₃, CaO, TiO₂, SnO₂, Al₂O₃, ZrO₂, ZrO₂-x mol% Y₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and ZnO – with a wide range of powder properties can be manufactured using our proprietary process.

Examples

Powder properties of Nanocrystalline Yttria (Y₂O₃) synthesized at Ceramatec:

• Ultrafine powders: 35 nm mean particle diameter (90% under 40 nm)
• High Purity: >99.986%
• High surface area: ~100 m2/g
• Monodisperse: Std dev. of ~20% in diameter
• Unagglomerated
• Phase Pure (fully cubic)
• Good Sinterability
• Unique Process & Low Cost (For large volume production)

Crystallite Size / Particle Size Data on Yttria Nanopowders synthesized inhouse:

• Crystallite Diameter from XRD - 11nm
• BET Surface Area - 111 m2/g
• Crystallite Diameter (calculated from surface area, assuming spherical particles) - 10.8 nm
• Crystallite Diameter measured from TEM - 10 to 20 nm
• D50, Particle Diameter measured from powder particle size analysis - 30 nm

Chemical Purity: ICP-MS (60 element screen) data suggest powders are >99.986% pure with extremely low Si content.

Please contact us if this is an area of interest to you.