Nanoforce is pioneering the exploitation of Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technology in the UK. SPS can sinter to high density ceramic, metal or composite powders. This includes difficult systems to densify, including ultrahigh temperature and hardness carbides and borides, and refractory metal alloys. The furnace works by the rapid heating of electrically conductive dies by pulsed DC electric currents in a vacuum or inert environment. It can achieve heating rates of up to 600K /min up to 2,200°C. The rapid heating rate combined with high pressure (up to ~1GPa) opens up a new processing window and the possibility of producing new materials with microstructures and properties that can not be achieved using conventional sintering techniques. For example, nanopowders can be processed to produce high density nanoceramics with minimal grain growth. It can also be used to produce novel and ceramic composites, materials that combine different phases that would not normally coexist. SPS is a high throughput technique, which makes it ideal for quickly exploring new materials and an energy efficient route for the mass production of materials.

Potential applications of our materials include: ballistic protection for vehicle and body armour; sputtering targets; high temperature piezoelectric sensors and actuators; heating elements; bioceramics with improved wear properties; nano-filters; and functionally gradient materials. Nanoforce is also looking into the preparation of a wide range of sputtering targets for thin film applications, especially those based on borides, carbides and nitrides, and in the production of higher density and phase purity targets.

Download general SPS brochure

Nanoforce not only provides high volume targets for industrial applications but also small volume niche targets for academic research.

Download SPS brochure for specialist targets

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