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Using conventional mineral-based raw materials (T<500˚C), our technology synthesizes multicomponent ceramics at low temperatures. We can use the tech for a wide range of ceramics.
About
Our technology solves several significant problems. First, it reduces the process temperature by a factor of 3-5x, which saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions. Second, the temperature is low enough to enable today's renewable energy technology to power the process. Third, the low temperature makes the reaction chamber of conventional low-cost metals instead of ceramic refractories. Fourth, it eliminates the need for milling and only requires the raw materials to be crushed, yet the final product that results is a ceramic powder with a mean size of 1 micron or less. This saves additional process energy and hence, CO2 emissions. Fifth, our process is model-driven, so the number of experiments needed to prove feasibility is small, making it possible to do proof of concept work quickly. Finally, the process is versatile in that it can recycle and upcycle waste streams and make products from virgin minerals. Thus, any company that commercializes our technology will be able to reclaim its product at the end of its lifecycle and make a new material.
Key Benefits
The lower energy and capital cost will reduce the product cost. In many cases, the product has a uniform particle size and morphology, enabling better reproducibility regarding material properties and performance. High-volume production will enable a closed-loop recycling process where raw materials cost will drop by as much as 5x because virgin minerals will no longer be required. The reduced unit operations required to make a product will lead to a smaller factory footprint. Using renewable energy will create a business free of the smoke stacks associated with manufacturing. Some businesses will be 100% emission-less without needing carbon capture or SOx and NOx removal.
Applications
- Cement and concrete (already have a startup commercializing, but they are willing to license the process)
- Traditional glass and ceramic products
- Electronic
- Magnetics
- Optics
- Refractories
- Hybrid powders containing metals, and polymers combined with ceramics
- Advanced ceramics
- Insulation materials
- Acoustic materials