NASTRAC Project

The concept for the project emerged from discussions between PowdermatriX and Loughborough University, stimulated by an Advanced Ceramic Roadmap published by PowdermatriX. Technology Translators from PowdermatriX then collaborated with Jon Binner and Bala Vaidhyanathan from Loughborough University to pull together a consortium and write the TSB bid.

The project aims to create a bulk sintered nano-structures for two advanced ceramic chemistries and then quantify the benefits (in terms of in-service properties) in laboratory and end-user field trials. The two chemistries selected are zirconia and barium titanate.

Two main barriers to success exist. Firstly, the high surface area of nano-particles means that suspensions created from them attain a high viscosity at relatively low wt% loadings. This in turn can result in poor porosity or fault creation in items shaped from the suspensions. Secondly, even when a homogenous high density nano-structure is created in the green state, sintering causes grain growth.

Loughborough University has patented technology to overcome these barriers. Firstly, they employ ultrasonics and concentration techniques to achieve exceptionally high nano-powder loadings without raising viscosity. Secondly, they have knowledge of how micro-wave assisted firing and / or novel firing schedules can retard nano-particle growth upon sintering.

Whilst conventional advanced ceramic processing will be the focus of the project, the consortium recognises that freeze dry granulation (as opposed to spray drying)  may have a key role to play in realising the project goals. Freeze Dry Granulation (a technique that both Loughborough and CERAM have expertise in) delivers granulates that are more homogeneous and feature less agglomeration of primary particles.

CERAM is acting as project managers, bringing not only good project management skills (developed over time on UK Government and European - framework IV, V and VI –  projects) but also technical steerage based on their own in-house skills in manipulating nano-powder suspensions.

Industrial partners Syfer Technology Ltd, MEL, Valve Solutions and Dynamic Ceramic provide valuable project steerage as well as industrial evaluation. Sub-contract funding is available to engage with other parts of the two supply chains and to assist in scale-up of nano-powder / nano-suspension preparation.

Funding from the Technology Strategy Board under their Autumn 2007 Technology Programme call is gratefully acknowledged.

• NASTRAC Project Poster [PDF File, 3.22MB]



• 12 Month Progress Report – November 2009 [PDF File, 85KB]