Customized Alumina Solutions: Enhanced Thermal Stability in Ox-CMCs via BA15 MgO Doping

High purity aluminaOxide Ceramic matrix composites (Ox-CMCs) combine excellent strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. These qualities make them suitable for components exposed to harsh and oxidative environments, such as gas turbine engines and thermal protection systems.

However, maintaining these properties at high temperatures is challenging due to grain coarsening and degradation above 1000°C. A recent study, “Enhancing Thermal Stability of Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites via Matrix Doping,” investigated strategies to address these issues.

Baikowski® contributed to the study with its high-purity alumina BA15 powder, which was selected for its particle size distribution (d₅₀ = 120 nm) and exceptional chemical purity. These attributes ensured a consistent and reliable matrix material, critical for evaluating the effects of doping. For that, water-based ceramic suspensions containing a solid content of 50 vol% were prepared.

For more information, explore our range of products for CMCs , including BA15 powder and our latest innovation, SLAZ, a high-purity alumina slurry doped with Mathym’s zilight® nano-zirconia.

Materials and Methods

Composites reinforced with Nextel 610 fibers and alumina matrices were produced in two variations: one using non-doped alumina and the other doped with 480 ppm MgO.

MgO was chosen due to its recognized ability to inhibit grain boundary mobility and reduce grain growth, making it an effective doping agent for enhancing thermal stability.

Fabricated through an ionotropic gelation technique, the composites were sintered at 1200°C, followed by heat treatments at 1300°C and 1400°C. SEM, WDX, and tensile strength tests were conducted to assess the microstructural and mechanical impacts of doping.

CMC Performance With Baikowski’s Doped Alumina

Microstructural Findings:

  • Both doped and non-doped composites had similar initial microstructures with uniform equiaxial grains.
  • Thermal exposure induced grain growth in both samples, but MgO-doped composites showed smaller, more refined grains and significantly fewer abnormal grains, especially near the fiber regions.

Elemental Interactions:

  • WDX analysis showed that silicon (Si), which is part of the Nextel 610 fibers, diffuses outward toward the matrix after heat exposure, while magnesium (Mg) from the matrix diffuses slightly into the fibers.This interaction helped suppress excessive grain coarsening in MgO-doped composites, leading to narrower fiber grain size distributions and smaller grains compared to non-doped samples, resulting in the reduction of strength loss after heat treatments.

Mechanical Performance:

  • Both types of composites had comparable tensile strength (~135 MPa) in the as-processed state.
  • Post-heat treatment, MgO-doped composites retained higher tensile strength, with reductions of 8% at 1300°C and 41% at 1400°C, compared to 27% and 62% reductions for non-doped samples.

The study highlights the benefits of matrix doping for thermal stability enhancement of Ox-CMCs, particularly when using high-purity, MgO-doped alumina from Baikowski®. The customized alumina matrix effectively reduced fiber grain growth and preserved mechanical properties under high-temperature conditions.

Baikowski®’s ability to deliver tailored solutions through strong R&D capabilities and close collaboration with industry ensures its alumina powders meet stringent application demands. These advancements further position Baikowski® as a trusted partner in developing high-performance materials for the aerospace sector and other high-temperature applications.

Learn more by downloading our dedicated White Paper👇

Advanced Materials for oxide CMCs
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Advanced Materials for oxide CMC

Alumina, Silica, Ceria & Diamond Advanced Polishing Solutions White Paper

How Can Baikowski® Help You Achieve Perfect Surface Finishes While Reducing Polishing Time?

Achieving flawless surfaces quickly and efficiently remains a significant challenge in today’s high-precision industries.

Baikowski®’s innovative solutions are designed to tackle these demands head-on, leveraging fine alumina, silica, ceria, and diamond products engineered to optimize particle size distribution, crystallinity, and surface area. These solutions strike the ideal balance between removal rate and surface finish, delivering both precision and efficiency.

This white paper highlights:

  • Key applications where our products excel, from advanced optical components and precision metals to semiconductor planarity and car polishing.
  • The unique properties that set Baikowski®’s offerings apart for intermediate and final polishing.
  • A selection guide to help you identify the perfect solution for substrates like ceramics, crystals, metals, plastics, and glass, as well as an in-depth look at our Baikalox® alumina powders and slurries, along with compatible polishing pads.
  • For additional insights, related blog posts links are included, offering expanded expertise.

With these cutting-edge innovations, Baikowski® supports industries such as automotive, optics, electronics, aerospace and watchmaking, empowering them to enhance product performance, reliability, and aesthetics.

Discover our Advanced Solutions for Superior Intermediate and Final Polishing by downloading our dedicated White Paper.👇

Superior Intermediate & Final Polishing White Paper

Fine Alumina, Silica, Ceria & Diamond solutions

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Sapphire Polishing: Superior SPH Oxide Solutions for The Optics, Electronics, Watchmaking & Semiconductor Sectors

Watch mechanism synthetic sapphire made with high purity aluminaWith over 120 years of expertise, Baikowski® is a leading provider of advanced materials. We began by offering synthetic sapphire and then later expanded to powder solutions, including polishing solutions for the watchmaking, optics, electronics and semiconductor industries.

With our engineering and experience we are able to deliver customized alumina and colloidal silica solutions with optimized morphology, particle size distribution (PSD), and chemistry for applications requiring a superb finish produced with high efficiency.

In electronics and optics, where polished sapphire is crucial for high-performance devices, Baikowski’s® slurries help achieve surfaces free of micro-defects that can adversely impact light transmission and image clarity.

Sapphire Polishing Challenges

Polishing sapphire, one of the hardest materials known after diamond, demands meticulous, high-precision processing to achieve flawless, defect-free surfaces.

The primary challenges include surface defects, micro-scratches, and incomplete removal of grinding marks, all of which affect optical clarity and the final surface finish.

Achieving the perfect polish involves mastering three stages: rough grinding to remove initial material, intermediate polishing to refine surface irregularities, and final polishing for a mirror-like surface. Each step requires precise control to avoid introducing new imperfections.

C-axis & A-axis: The Impact of Crystal Orientation

Graph C and A xis of sapphire crystalsThe crystal orientation of sapphire is significantly related to polishing difficulty. The C-axis (0001 plane) is the hardest orientation to polish, presenting up to 20% more resistance, and requiring specially formulated slurries to achieve a fine, imperfection-free finish.

In contrast, the A-axis (11-20 plane) can be easier to polish but it still demands rigorous control. Slurries must be engineered to offer the proper abrasive particle size distribution, and pH to accommodate hardness variations and achieve uniform results across these orientations.

 

SPH Silica & Alumina-based Slurries for Enhanced Sapphire Polishing Productivity

Baikowski® has developed a unique CMP series in which chemicals play a major role to deliver smoother finishes with higher levels of precision on such hard substrates. This SPH specific range of patented alumina and silica-based slurries is tailored to improve productivity, especially on sensitive crystal planes such as that of the sapphire C-axis.

This range achieves remarkable efficiency, delivering 3 to 4 times faster material removal rates compared to traditional colloidal silica slurries. In addition, it achieves consistent material removal due to:

  • The Controlled Morphology and Narrow PSD of Baikowski® milling optimized sapphire polishing slurries. They minimize the risk of introducing new scratches while balancing efficient material removal, making the series particularly effective in intermediate and final polishing.
  • The stability of the suspension. It ensures uniform material removal and sustains good particle dispersion throughout the polishing process. The carefully balanced viscosity and pH enhance the slurry’s chemical activity on sapphire surfaces, accelerating the polishing process and making the SPH series ideal for applications where ease of use and high precision are priorities.

Baikowski’s® SPH series are available in both Silica and Alumina abrasive solutions

  • SPH-51 is a silica solution, with specifications for D50 of 100 nm, and a pH of 10-11. It delivers high removal rates on sapphire’s C and A planes, achieving near-perfect surface finishes, especially when combined with Baikowski® polyurethane pad.

SPH 51 removal rate graph comparison with traditional silica Performance of sph-51 Silica solution (A plane)
Polishing Conditions

Machine φ 610 mm single side
Plate rotation (rpm) 50
Down force (g/cm²) 280
Slurry flow(ml/min)  100
Work Sapphire A plane

 

This results in an ideal surface, ready for epitaxial layers, to ensure optimal light output and energy efficiency in the final LED application as one example.

  • SPH-53 is also an optimized silica-based solution that provide an intermediate removal rate with proven performance over that of traditional silica. The specifications for D50 is 70 nm and it has a pH of 8-9.

Comparison of SPH-51 & SPH-53 (C PLANE 4’’)Comparison of SPH-51 & SPH-53 Silica solutions (C PLANE 4’’)
Same polishing conditions as describe above

Products Traditional Silica SPH-51 SPH-53
Temperature (°C) 36 47 35
Torque (%) 100 139 94

 

  • The SPH-9D slurry is a very high removal rate alumina product, ideal for C-axis. It effectively removes surface irregularities and produces a best in class surface
    The specifications for D50 is 0.30 µm and it has a pH of 12.5–13.5. This slurry can also be utilized in dual face polishing operations.

SPH9D and traditional Silica removal rate comparison graphALUMINA-BASED SLURRIES COMPARISON
Surface Roughness 0.2 nm – 0.35 nm

 

Achieving optimal polishing results require the right combination of polishing speed, pressure, pad quality, and slurry formulation. Higher polishing pressures increase material removal rates but may induce scratches, while slower speeds often reduce scratch formation but can extend process time.

Learn more about SPH products

 

In summary, our SPH silica and alumina-based slurries offer a superior alternative by providing faster removal rates, reduced incidence of defects, improved surface finish, and enhanced process control over traditional silica products. The range, combined with the proper pads is ideal for high-precision applications in the optics, electronics, and semiconductor industries where surface quality and productivity are both critical.

Eager to learn more about Baikowski®’s polishing solution offering ?
Explore our dedicated White Paper titled Superior Intermediate & Final Polishing, Alumina, Silica, Ceria  & Diamond Solutions

Transparent Ceramics Innovation: 3D Printing with Baikalox® Alumina MgO Doping

ceramic-pastes-for-robocastingThis article summarizes the study “Transparent Alumina Ceramics Fabricated by 3D Printing and Vacuum Sintering”, which explored the potential of additive manufacturing to revolutionize ceramic fabrication.

The research demonstrated that combining 3D printing with high-performance materials like Baikalox® CR10 alumina powder, enhanced with MgO doping, could rival traditional manufacturing methods in terms of quality while introducing unprecedented design flexibility.

Since the study’s completion in 2020, advancements in 3D printing technology have continued to push boundaries, offering even greater precision, scalability, and potential applications.

The Goal: Pioneering 3D Printing for Transparent Ceramics

Polished and unpolished sapphire for watch made with high purity aluminaTransparent ceramics have long been valued for their exceptional mechanical, thermal, and optical properties, with applications spanning aerospace, defense, optics, and electronics. However, traditional fabrication methods, such as cold isostatic pressing (CIP) and vacuum sintering, often require extensive tooling and are limited in producing complex geometries.

This study aimed at addressing these limitations by leveraging extrusion-based 3D printing to fabricate high-density transparent ceramics, exploring the use of two-step vacuum sintering to optimize optical and mechanical performance.

The goal was to evaluate whether 3D printing could deliver results comparable to CIP while enabling greater design flexibility.

The Process: From Powder to Transparency

The fabrication process involved several key steps, each optimized to achieve near-perfect transparency in the final ceramics.

Baikowski Powder Properties

Baikalox® CR10D alumina powder, enhanced with 625 ppm MgO doping, a composition specifically tailored for superior sintering performance, was used in this study. This high-purity alumina features a controlled submicron particle size (D50: 0.731 µm) and a narrow particle size distribution, making it ideal for achieving high-density ceramics. The addition of MgO acted as a sintering aid, effectively promoting densification and enhancing grain boundary control during the vacuum sintering process.

The specific surface area (SSA) of the powder, measured using the BET method, was 7.9571 ± 0.1174 m²/g.Its submicron size, high surface area, and nearly spherical morphology ensure excellent packing efficiency and optimal densification behavior, critical factors for producing transparent ceramics with superior optical and mechanical properties.

Learn more about Baikalox® CR range

PSD graph - Baikalox CR10 doping MGO for transparent ceramics 3D printingBaikalox alumina MGO doping morphology-SEM

Slurry Formulation

To prepare the ceramic slurry for 3D printing, Baikalox® CR10D powder was combined with water and a small percentage of ISOBAM™, which served as both a binder and dispersant to achieve the desired viscosity.The optimal formulation—72 wt% alumina and 0.7 wt% ISOBAM™—struck the perfect balance between viscosity and printability.

This carefully optimized slurry exhibited shear-thinning behavior, allowing for smooth and precise extrusion through the printer nozzle while ensuring structural stability during and after printing.

3D Printing Technology and Post-Processing

The slurry was loaded into an extrusion-based 3D printer, allowing the creation of complex shapes layer by layer. The printed parts were then dried, debinded, and sintered using a two-step vacuum sintering process. This approach minimized grain growth while achieving near full density (>99%).

Final polishing enhanced the transparency, resulting in ceramics with a total transmittance of up to 70% at 800 nm.

Key Insights and Applications of 3D-Printed Ceramics with Baikalox® Alumina

Several benefits in terms of capabilities of 3D printing for transparent ceramics were revealed by the study:

  • Performance Equivalence
    The study demonstrated that 3D-printed ceramics using Baikowski®’s CR10D alumina powder achieved over 99% relative density and similar transmittance levels (70% at 800 nm) to CIP-processed ceramics, reinforcing the reliability of additive manufacturing for optical-quality applications.
  • Innovation in Geometry
    Unlike usual methods, 3D printing allowed for the creation of complex shapes without compromising quality, showcasing its advantage for customized and intricate designs.
  • Optimized Processes
    Two-step vacuum sintering enhanced transparency by reducing grain size compared to single-step sintering, underscoring the benefits of process optimization.
  • Technology Evolution
    While this study represents the state of technology in 2020, 3D printing has since improved in resolution, materials, and scalability, further expanding its potential for intricate geometries in high-performance applications.

For additional details, explore the full study here

Ceramic 3D printing white paper on powders and slurries adavaned solutionsThese results could have implications for various industries. Transparent ceramics are critical in optical lenses, protective windows, and laser systems. The design of custom geometries enables the creation of advanced optical components, improving performance and reducing manufacturing costs.

As technology continues to evolve, its potential for intricate geometries and miniaturized components expands the horizon for applications in photonics, sensors and more.

This study reinforces Baikowski®’s commitment to driving innovation through high-quality materials. The use of Baikalox® CR10D powder highlights the critical role of advanced materials in enabling the success of such cutting-edge technologies.

Learn more with our white paper dedicated to Ceramic 3D printing powders and slurries.

 

High Purity Alumina & Nano-zirconia Doping Solutions For CMCs: SLAz!

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) represent a pivotal advancement in materials science, uniquely addressing contemporary and future challenges across diverse applications. These materials leverage the inherent benefits of ceramics—high thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and excellent mechanical properties—while overcoming their brittleness through composite engineering.

CMC ceramic matrix composite on jet bladesTheir innovative use spans sectors from aerospace, where their lightweight, thermal resistance, and mechanical strength are critical for efficiency and durability in extreme environments, to medicine, energy, and electronics, making them indispensable solutions for today’s most demanding technological environments.

Advancements in CMC processing are critical to unlocking their potential. Techniques like additive manufacturing, flash sintering, and high-pressure sintering allow for complex shapes, efficient resource use, and minimized waste. Furthermore, innovations in nanostructured materials and bio-inspired designs drive both performance improvements and ecological benefits.

SLAz: The Key to Next-Generation Ceramic Matrix Composites

The SLAz slurry range, a synergistic blend of our renowned Baikalox® High Purity Alumina & cutting-edge zilight® nano-zirconia delivers a unique combination of properties tailored to meet the high-performance demands of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs).

In fact, SLAz offers key advantages in CMC manufacturing  such as:

  • Uniform Dispersion: Featuring Mathym®’s expertly dispersed nano-zirconia, SLAz ensures a consistent and homogenous distribution within the alumina matrix for dependable results.
  • Enhanced Stability: Withstanding a broad pH spectrum from 4 to 10, SLAz delivers stability you can count on in various operating environments.
  • Optimized Viscosity: Engineered for suiting your process, SLAz maintains low viscosity without compromising quality, even with the inclusion of nano-zirconia.

SLAz also shows great promise in advancing coating and 3D printing technologies. Explore its potential today!

SLAz SLURRIES
for CMC applications

High Purity Alumina and nano-zirconia doping, SLAz leaflet Download the SLAz leaflet

Medical Applications: Oxide Solutions ranging from Bioceramics to Finishing Polishing

Our expertise in producing small-sized particles, controlling morphology, optimizing particle size and distribution, and offering various doping options positions us as a partner of choice in advanced material solutions for medical applications.

1-    Biomaterials: Zirconia Composite Powders and Slurries

Tailored ZTA Solutions for Bioceramics and Cutting Tools

HPA (High Purity Alumina) with Bioceramics - hip joints and prosthesisBaikowski®’s ZTA products, which combine tailored alumina and zirconia, exhibits high chemical purity, homogeneous particle distribution, and fine microstructures, to meet the stringent demands of medical applications such as prostheses or implants.

Our customization know how allows us to optimize composition to enhance mechanical properties for medical needs like superior resistance to shocks and wear. It is the case of scalpels and cutting tools inserts that require sharpness and strength to make precise incisions with minimal wear over time.

Available in forms such as spray-dried powders and slurries, our ZTA products integrate seamlessly into various manufacturing processes.

Learn more about our ZTA 

Moreover, our commitment to quality is underscored by our ISO 22000 certification for food safety, ensuring our products meet stringent European pharmacopeia standards, and ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.

Nanozirconia with High Refractive Index for Dental and Optical Applications

In dental applications, zilight®, with its nano-zirconia particles as small as 5nm, is an ideal choice for dental prosthetics, ensuring durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term health benefits. Nano-zirconia is biocompatible, brings also radiopacity and thanks to its small size can yield to translucent materials.

Additionally, filyxio® YbF3 nanofillers, provides high radiopacity and stronger mechanical properties, but also improved color stability and translucency. filyxio® is the smallest filler on the market, making it ideal for achieving high depths of cure in dental composites.

Learn more about Mathym’s unique dental restorative solutions

In optical applications, zilight® provides customizable refractive index, essential for ophthalmic coatings and displays, without compromising transparency and haze. This results in high-performance optical materials with enhanced scratch and wear resistance.

Download our optical & ophthalmic coatings White Paper

2-    Alumina, ceria and silica for Finishing Polishing

As a leading fine minerals manufacturer, Baikowski® is also committed to finishing polishing of surgical instruments, diagnostic tools, optical components, implants and beyond.

For that purpose, we design custom abrasives powders and slurries such as high-purity alumina, ceria, and silica. Regarding alumina for instance, we can play on the size of the particles and the particle size distribution in order to fit the most closely with the required surface finish, but also tailor the alpha alumina rate into a gamma alumina matrix.

Alumina solutions for Metal Finishing Polishing

Metal polishingHigh-purity alumina offers exceptional hardness and abrasive qualities necessary for achieving smooth and precise finishes on surgical tools and implants. A polished surface reduces the risk of tissue irritation and promotes better integration with body tissues.

Baikowski®’s alumina powders and slurries are engineered for optimal particle size and purity, ensuring that the polishing process minimizes surface roughness while maintaining the integrity and sharpness of metal instruments.

Learn more about how our fine alumina with high specific area outperforms traditional silica solutions, offering both higher performance and greater ease of use in metal polishing and metallograpgy in our dedicated article.

High Puriy Alumina for Optical kiss- Polishing

OpticsHigh-purity alumina is essential for polishing optical components used in diagnostic tools such as endoscopes and microscopes for instance, as well as for lenses, mirrors and prisms.

The exceptional purity of Baikowski®’s alumina ensures that no impurities compromise the optical clarity of these components. As to the controlled particle size distribution of our solutions, a flawless finish that enhance light transmission and image clarity can be achieved.

Explore some of our alumina polishing solutions

Ceria and Silica-Based Polishing Solutions in the medical field

Cerium Oxide (CeO2):

Cerium oxide is commonly used for polishing delicate surfaces like those found in ophthalmic implants or microfluidic devices. Its mild abrasive properties make it suitable too for softer materials, such as certain plastics used in medical devices. For more information on Baikowski® Japan tailored ceria solutions for medical applications, please contact us.

Silica (SiO2):

Silica, particularly in the form of colloidal silica, is a very fine polishing material used for achieving high surface finishes with minimal defect formation. It is ideal for polishing delicate surfaces or materials prone to scratching. However, for a high degree of surface smoothness, especially on harder substrates such as stainless steel, titanium and ceramics, alumina is generally preferred.

To find the ideal abrasive solutions for your substrates, delve into our product selection guide within our Polishing Solutions White Paper and do not hesitate to contact our experts for guidance.

In fact, Baikowski® Group have a strong expertise based on alumina, silica, ceria abrasive grains and chemical agents, especially when precision and/or selectivity in material removal are demanding.

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Car Polish: Alumina Solutions for Faster and High-Gloss Varnishes & Lacquers Polishing

Car polishing paste made with high purity aluminaIn automotive manufacturing, advanced polishing materials that deliver both precision and an impeccable finish are essential. At Baikowski®, we specialize in producing custom fine alumina powders that not only meet the highest standards but also provide a competitive edge by reducing polishing time and achieving a superior high-gloss finish. This is crucial in the intermediate and superfinish polishing stages, where balancing cutting efficiency with an outstanding gloss and transparency is key.

Intermediate Polishing: Accelerating the Polishing Process to Perfection

The intermediate polishing stage focuses on efficiently removing imperfections such as swirl marks, fine scratches, and oxidation. Baikowski® alumina powders are engineered to eliminate these defects quickly while minimizing surface abrasion, reducing polishing time and ensuring a smooth transition to the superfinish stage.

Superfinish: Achieving a Mirror-Like Shine Without Micro-Scratches

At the superfinish stage, the goal is to achieve a deep, reflective gloss that enhances the quality of the vehicle’s paintwork. Baikowski® alumina powders, with their controlled SSA and morphology, provide the fine abrasiveness needed to attain this result without introducing new imperfections.

Baikowski®’s Tailored Car Polish Solutions

Our fine alumina powders are engineered with a strict focus on quality and performance. The following properties are meticulously controlled to ensure optimal results in intermediate and superfinish polishing:

  • Specific Surface Area (SSA): Our powders are formulated with optimized SSA values to achieve the right balance between cutting action and surface gloss. A lower SSA promotes aggressive cutting, while a higher SSA indicates finer particles essential for the superfinish stage, where a smooth, reflective surface is required.
  • Morphology: We tailor the particle shape to optimize polishing efficiency. Sharp particles enhance cutting ability, while more rounded particles reduce the risk of micro-scratches, ensuring a flawless, high-gloss finish.
  • Crystallinity: Our alumina powders feature the ideal crystallinity for consistent cutting performance. This ensures long-lasting effectiveness throughout the polishing process, reducing time spent while maintaining a high-quality finish.
  • Particle Size Distribution (PSD): Controlling the PSD ensures consistent particle behavior throughout the process to prevent surface damage and achieve a good balance between removing imperfections and preserving the underlying surface quality.
  • Deagglomeration Ability: Our powders are designed to ensure alumina particles remain well-dispersed in the polishing slurry. Theses slurries consist of agglomerates of fine particles specifically engineered to break down during the polishing process. The controlled deagglomeration enables an initial strong cutting action that gradually transitions to a finer, softer polishing effect, leading to a mirror-like finish. This dynamic behavior contributes to both time-efficient processing and exceptional surface quality.

As demand for advanced varnish and lacquer polishing solutions continues to rise, Baikowski® remains a leader in the industry by providing custom alumina powders that meet the specific needs of our clients.

Choosing the right alumina powder with the optimal combination of SSA, morphology, crystallinity, PSD, and deagglomeration ability enables professionals to achieve the expected results.

Our proven products, such as GE30, BA20, AD15, PB20CR, and PB50CR, deliver unmatched performance in car polishing, shortening the process while achieving a brilliant finish. However, realizing their full potential requires the right combination of alumina solution and polishing pad.

Illustration of the principle of GE30 & BA20 slurry polishing properties
RR (Removal Rate) / Surface finish over a period of time

Baikowski slurry comparison time/RR/surface finish

Standard product
(Typical values)
GE30 BA20
Crystalline phase 80% α,
20% γ
97% α, 3% γ
Specific Surface Area (m²/g) BET 25 21
PSD d50 (µm)
Laser diffraction
4.5 4.5
Bulk Density (g/cm³) 0.3 0.3
Tapped Density (g/cm³) 0.6 0.5

 

Additionally, we continue to develop new powders dedicated to varnish and lacquer applications, aimed at simplifying and accelerating the car polishing process.

See some of our polishing solutions

Water Filtration with Baikowski® Spinel: Advancing Virus and Microorganism Removal

As the global demand for effective water treatment systems grows, particularly in regions where access to clean drinking water is scarce, the development of innovative filtration technologies has become a focus.

In a recent study titled “Removal of MS2 and fr Bacteriophages Using MgAl₂O₄-Modified, Al₂O₃-Stabilized Porous Ceramic Granules for Drinking Water Treatment”, researchers investigated the effectiveness of an advanced composite-based filtration membrane.

This ceramic membrane, made from alumina (Al₂O₃) and Baikowski® magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl₂O₄), demonstrates potential for removing viruses, such as bacteriophages and other microorganisms that contribute to waterborne diseases.

Combatting Waterbone Pathogens with Spinel-based Composite Membranes

The membrane is fabricated by integrating spinel granules into an alumina matrix. This composite approach leverages the mechanical strength of alumina, and the filtration capabilities of spinel due to its fine pore structure and stability.

The Baikowski® product used S25CR is a high-purity jet-milled spinel powder (dv50 = 0.25 µm and surface area of 21–24 m²/g).

This combination of materials allows the membrane to maintain its performance even in extreme environmental conditions.

Baikowski® Spinel Powder Benefits for advanced filtration applications

Polished and unpolished sapphire for watch made with high purity aluminaAt Baikowski®, spinel powders are designed to achieve the highest standards in ceramic applications. Here’s how our S25CR product align with the demand of advanced filtration systems:

  • Particle Size and size distribution: Our jet-milled spinel powder offer fine particle size and controlled particle size distribution around 0.25 µm that enable precise tailoring of membrane porosity.
  • High Purity Levels: With over 99% phase purity, our spinel powder minimizes impurities that can interfere with membrane performance. This purity is essential in preventing contamination, which can degrade the efficacy of filtration in sensitive applications like water filtration.

Post-Filtration Characterization and Thermal Regeneration

A critical part of the study involved characterizing the materials after filtration to assess the durability and stability of the membrane. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the phase composition of the spinel granules was preserved after exposure to 2 liters of contaminated water, indicating the membrane’s robustness. Electron microscopy further demonstrated that the granular structure remained intact, ensuring the membrane’s continued effectiveness even after prolonged use.

Additionally, the study measured the release of aluminum and magnesium into the permeate after filtration. No aluminum was detected, and the magnesium levels were significantly below the WHO’s recommended threshold for drinking water. This low level of magnesium release is a notable benefit, as excessive magnesium in water contributes to hardness.

One of the standout features of the spinel-based filtration system is its potential for thermal regeneration. When the membrane’s pores become clogged with contaminants, heat treatment at 400°C can restore its filtration capacity. This ability to regenerate the membrane extends its lifespan and makes it a more sustainable solution for water treatment.

Product Customization

R&D work with high purity alumina, spinel and other fine oxides at Baikowski SAIn conclusion, spinel-based composite membranes offer a solution for filtering viruses and other microorganisms from drinking water, with the added benefit of being durable and regenerable. The Baikowski®’s high-purity spinel powder, S25CR, play a role in these advanced filtration technologies, ensuring both high filtration efficiency and long-term stability.
For more detailed insights, you can explore the full study here.

At Baikowski®, our R&D teams customize solutions, such as adjusting the dopant or the particle size, to meet your specifications. We work closely together to develop products that push the boundaries of your application needs. Any questions? Contact-us

Nano Zirconia for Optical & Ophthalamic Coatings: White Paper

💡How Does zilight® Nano-Zirconia Overcome Challenges to Achieve Superior Optical & Ophthalmic Coatings?

In the ever-evolving field of optical and ophthalmic coatings, staying at the forefront requires adopting materials that deliver unmatched performance. Our latest white paper, “Advanced Materials for Superior Optical & Ophthalmic Coatings,” explores the game-changing potential of zilight® nano-zirconia.

Optical coatings play a crucial role in enhancing visual clarity, durability, and user comfort across a wide range of applications, from everyday eyeglasses and contact lenses to high-performance optical instruments. However, maintaining these benefits without compromising essential properties like haze or transmittance has long been a challenge. This is where Mathym®‘s advanced nanomaterials make the difference.

In fact, zilight® nano-zirconia not only improves mechanical properties but also acts as a highly efficient refractive index tuning agent, offering exceptional transparency and durability even at high concentrations. This makes it an ideal choice for developing anti-reflective coatings with refractive indices below n=1.8, all while ensuring superior visual clarity.

In this comprehensive guide, you will also discover case studies with zilight® 203 nano-zirconia in Acrylic & PVA resins.

Eager to learn more, download our full White Paper.👇

ADVANCED MATERIALS FOR
SUPERIOR OPTICAL & OPHTHALMIC COATINGS
WHITE PAPER

 zilight® Nano-Zirconia solutions

Download

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Revolutionizing Dental Restorations with zilight® Nano-Zirconia Suspension

The search for dental restorative materials that seamlessly blend strength, safety, and aesthetic appeal has long been a priority in dentistry. Mathym®’s innovative nano-zirconia suspension with high refractive index, zilight®, is at the forefront of addressing this challenge.

Meeting the Demand for Aesthetic and Strong Dental Materials

PatienRestorative dentistryts are looking for dental restorations that are not only durable but also visually natural. Traditional materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal often fall short, especially in visible areas like the front teeth due to their opacity and sometimes greyish hue. While all-ceramic restorations offer some improvements, they still face some issues such as chipping, brittleness, and in particular limited translucency.

Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) ceramics, particularly those doped with 3 mol.% yttria (3YSZ), have gained popularity for their high strength, biocompatibility, and compatibility with CAD-CAM technologies. However, conventional 3YSZ often lacks the translucency required for highly aesthetic dental restorations.

Achieving Superior Optical and Mechanical Properties with zilight® range

Mathym® Aqueous colloidal suspensions of yttria-doped zirconia nanoparticlesThe control of Mathym’s zirconia grain size to less than 100 nm enables to produce high translucency ceramics without compromising solidity. Moreover, the adjustment of yttria doping in the 8 mol.% range also allows enhanced optical transparency. The obtained ceramics exhibit opalescence similar to natural enamel, creating a bluish and orange appearance under different lighting conditions.

These properties linked to the miniaturization of residual pores, the refinement of grain size, proper doping concentration, and sintering ability at only 900°C make zilight® a superior alternative to existing commercial options for dental applications.

The low sintering temperature is a remarkable competitive benefit that also allows energy consumption reduction, short processing times, and can minimize potential thermal damage to other components.

Compatible with ceramic 3D printing, our innovative solution is designed to meet advanced restoration techniques needs.

Enhancing Dental Applications with Mathym’s Innovations

restorative radiopacifer dental compositeMathym’s commitment to innovation extends beyond zilight® nano-zirconia suspension.

Our offering also includes advanced dental nanofillers such as ytterbium fluoride, filixio®, and cerium nanoparticles, designed to enhance or add specific properties to dental materials such as radiopacity, wear resistance and color stability.

Aditionally, the nanoparticle functionalization ensures compatibility with various dental monomers, even at high concentrations.

All these advancements bring superior results across a variety of restorative procedures while preventing secondary caries by inhibiting bacterial growth and promoting enamel remineralization.

Learn more about Mathym’s dental offering

For further details and tailored solutions, contact our teams to discuss your needs.

 

Metallography: Superior Finishing Polishing with Fine Alumina vs. Colloidal Silica for Soft Metals

Metal polishing

Unveiling the microstructure of metals requires meticulous surface preparation. Metallographic polishing, employed in fields like materials science and engineering, achieves this by creating a flawless, scratch-free surface for microscopic analysis.

Traditionally, various abrasive materials and polishing techniques have been employed such as Colloidal silica for its dispersion ability.
Nowadays, alumina materials are prefered for polishing soft metals, offering enhanced results and processability.

The Superior performance of Baikalox® Alumina for Aluminum and Copper Alloys

The results here are based on the comparative performance of our Baikalox® fine alumina versus traditional colloidal silica in finishing polishing of aluminum alloys and copper samples. Our fine alumina products offer a compelling alternative in terms of :

1. Surface Finish Quality

High-resolution SEM images allowed for detailed observation of surface topography, revealing the absence of scratches, pits, and orange peel effects with Baikalox® polishing.

  • Scratch-free: The uniform particle size and high specific surface area of the Baikalox® solutions contributed to a better consistent and controlled material removal than colloidal silica, preserving the integrity of the microstructure for accurate analysis.
  • Orange Peel Effect-free: This is a common challenge encountered with colloidal silica, where uneven polishing creates a wavy surface reminiscent of an orange peel. Baikalox®, with its higher polishing efficiency offered a superior flatness and surface finish

2. Time Reduction

The use of fine alumina significantly reduced the overall polishing time thanks to its enhanced abrasive action, which facilitates faster material removal without compromising surface quality.

3. Ease of Cleaning

Colloidal silica suspensions can be challenging to clean.  On the contrary, the alumina particles were less prone to embedding in the sample surface, reducing the need for extensive cleaning procedures, promoting faster sample turnaround times and minimizing the risk of residual contamination.

Our experts will provide tailored advice to ensure you achieve the highest quality and precision in your metallographic preparations. Let’s innovate together!

See all our polishing solutions

Polishing Techniques

The process of metal polishing involves several stages: sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing. Polishing itself is usually performed in two stages: coarse polishing and finishing polishing. This fine polishing aims at removing the damage induced by the rough polishing stage and produce a mirror-like surface suitable for microscopic examination.

These evaluations were conducted on soft metals using mechanical polishing. This process generally involves the use of progressively finer abrasives following an initial diamond grinding stage.

Metallography applications

Metal polishing and metallograhy are crucial across diverse industries and research fields that demand precise material characterization and analysis, including:

  • Aerospace and Automotive: Ensuring the integrity and performance of critical components.
  • Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: Facilitating the development of advanced materials and the assessment of microstructural properties.
  • Biomedical: Supporting the development and quality control of metallic implants and devices.
  • Watchmaking: Ensuring the quality and aesthetic appeal of metal components in watches, contributing to both durability and visual appeal.

Need help selecting the right Baikalox® product? Contact us!
Our experts will provide tailored advice to ensure you achieve the highest quality and precision in your metallographic preparations. Let’s innovate together!

Do not hesitate to have a look to our White Paper about our Solutions for superior intermediate and final polishing

Enhancing Separation and Filtration performances with CR6 Alumina in Composite Membranes

Composite membrane for filtration applicationsBaikowski is at the forefront of innovation in materials science. Our products enable research and technological advancements in the field of technicl ceramics. Among the applications, there is the development of graphene oxide (GO) composite membranes anchored on α-alumina substrates as mentioned in the following scientific publication « Composite GO/Ceramic Membranes Prepared via Chemical Attachment: Characterisation and Gas Permeance Properties. »

By providing a stable and inert platform for GO deposition, the substrates enable the creation of composite membranes with finely tuned pore structures and enhanced separation capabilities in this study, essential for industrial applications.

The porous ceramic substrates made with our High Purity CR6 Baikalox® powder, provide the necessary resistance in high-temperature and corrosive environments where polymeric membranes will fail.

Potential Applications of Composite GO/ceramic membranes

These membranes exhibits enhanced stability and permeance, as well as tailored surface properties that can be employed in various industries to address critical separation and filtration challenges such as :

  • 🌟 Gas Separation: The composite membranes are suitable for applications in industrial gas separation processes, purification of natural gas, and carbon capture technologies thanks to their ability to selectively permeate certain gases while retaining others.
  • 🌟 Water Treatment: The hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications enabled by chemical linkers such as PDA, GPTMS, and APTMS allow the membranes to effectively separate contaminants from water. This application is particularly relevant for wastewater treatment, desalination, and the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from water sources.
  • 🌟 Chemical Processing: The composite membranes’ resistance to chemical products and thermal stability make them suitable for the separation of organic solvents, recovery of valuable chemicals, and purification of reaction products.
  • 🌟 Energy Sector: The selective permeation properties can be harnessed to separate hydrogen from other gases, which is a critical step in producing high-purity hydrogen for fuel cells and other energy applications.
  • 🌟 Environmental Protection: By enabling the effective separation of harmful gases and pollutants, these membranes can help reduce emissions and treat industrial effluents, supporting cleaner and more sustainable processes.

CR6 High-Purity α-Alumina Powder Benefits

CR6 is a  powder of our Baikalox® range of products, well known for its fine particle size and excellent sintering properties.

These characteristics make it an ideal material for creating dense and robust ceramic supports, which are essential for high-performance composite membranes.

High purity aluminaThe specific properties of CR6 in that application include:

  • 🌟 High Purity: this characteristic ensures minimal contamination, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the ceramic substrates and the GO layer deposited on them.
  • 🌟 Controlled Particle Size Distribution: It contributes to the creation of uniform macroporous structures. This uniformity is essential for consistent membrane performance, as it influences both gas and water permeance.
  • 🌟 Chemical Compatibility: compatibility of CR6 with various chemical linkers, such as polydopamine (PDA), 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), and 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS), facilitated the effective anchoring of GO layers onto the ceramic substrates.
  • 🌟 Excellent Sintering Behavior: It allows the creation of mechanically strong and thermally stable supports.

In the referenced study, custom-made α-alumina disks with a ~2 mm thickness and a 22 mm diameter were employed as substrates. The disks were fabricated by pressing the CR6 alumina powder in a custom-made mold and sintering at 800°C for 30 hours and further at 1180°C for 2 hours. One side of the disk was polished until no obvious scratch was observed under visual inspection with a light microscope.

How CR6 Alumina Contributes to Membrane Performance?

One of the primary challenges in composite membrane technology is ensuring strong and stable adhesion of GO layers to ceramic substrates.
The success here is mainly due to :

  • 🌟 Enhanced Stability: The CR6-based substrates have showed remarkable stability, maintaining their structural integrity and performance under various conditions.
  • 🌟 The smooth and polished surface: these surface characteristics have ensured optimal interaction with the modifying agents (PDA, APTES, GLYMO) and the graphene-based nanocomposites.
  • 🌟 Thickness: The substrates have enabled the formation of composite membranes with precise thickness control, optimizing the membrane for different separation applications.

Our high purity CR6 alumina has proven to be a critical component in the advancement of composite membrane technologies. Its superior properties facilitate the creation of reliable and high-performing membrane supports, enabling the successful integration of graphene-based nanocomposites.

This synergy between high-purity alumina and advanced nanomaterials opens new possibilities for applications in gas separation, water purification, and other fields requiring durable and efficient membrane solutions.

Learn more on CR6 composite membrane application in the following study : A Combined Gas and Water Permeances Method for Revealing the Deposition Morphology of GO Grafting on Ceramic Membranes

 

Baikowski® High Purity Powders’ Impact on Robocasting ceramic 3D Printing

Ceramic 3D printing white paper on powders and slurries adavaned solutionsThe quality and performance of our powders are widely recognized in various ceramic applications. A comprehensive PhD thesis titled “Printability of Ceramic Pastes by Robocasting: Application in Solid and Multi-Component Materials” has been completed by Mathilde Maillard in 2022.

The aim of the project was to develop single- and multi-material ceramic parts (zirconia and alumina) with the least possible consumption of materials and energy. For this reason, additive manufacturing but also microwave heating sintering for consolidation and post-drying were selected.

This research has been instrumental in achieving significant progress in this technique and demonstrating how Baikowski® powders for 3D printing applications contribute to the production of complex geometries and robust ceramic structures.

More information available on 3D printing advanced materials in our dedicated white paper

Robocasting characteristics

ceramic-pastes-for-robocastingRobocasting, aslo entitled Direct Ink Writing, was chosen over other 3D printing methods because of its potential to produce gradient multi-materials. This technique involves extrusion-based additive manufacturing, allowing for precise layering of ceramic materials that make intricate shapes and customized components possible.

The project aimed at optimizing the composition and processing parameters of ceramic pastes to achieve superior print quality and mechanical properties.

Baikowski® High Purity Alumina and Zirconia Powders

The spray-dried powders were delivered without binder and with a small particle size in order to produce homogeneous inks with suitable rheological characteristics for extrusion.

Baikalox® High Purity Alumina WA15

    • Specific Surface Area: 23.6 m²/g
    • Particle Size Distribution (after deagglomeration):
      • D10 = 0.07 µm
      • D50 = 0.09 µm
      • D90 = 0.12 µm
    • Purity: Very low impurity levels, ranging from 0.005% to 0.084%

Baikalox® Zirconia Yttria 3 mol% BSZ3Y

      • Specific Surface Area: 14.1 m²/g
      • Particle Size Distribution (after deagglomeration):
      • D10 = 0.09 µm
      • D50 = 0.15 µm
      • D90 = 0.28 µm

Advantages of our 4N high purity powders with Robocasting Process

Printability and Rheological Properties: The powders demonstrated excellent dispersion and stability in the ceramic pastes. The rheological properties of these pastes were meticulously adjusted to ensure smooth and continuous extrusion during the robocasting process.
The study showed that by optimizing the solid loading and binder content, the desired viscosity and thixotropy were achieved, enabling compliant  shapes of the printed structures.

Structural Integrity and Mechanical Properties: One of the significant achievements of the study was the successful production of dense and mechanically robust ceramic parts. The ceramic structures exhibited high compressive strength and minimal shrinkage upon sintering.

Complex Geometries and Surface Finish: The ability to produce complex geometries with fine details is a critical requirement in additive manufacturing that Baikowski® powders have helped with.
Thanks to the optimized particle size distribution and spherical morphology of the powders, the surface finish of the printed parts was notably smooth, with minimal layer lines.
This characteristic is particularly beneficial for applications requiring precise dimensional tolerances and superior surface quality.

Ceramic 3D Printing Possible Applications With Baikowski® Powders

The ceramic quality achieved in this project with the robocasting method opens new avenues for Baikowski® powders where precision and performance are critical, such as:

Aerospace and Defense: The high strength and thermal stability of ceramic parts produced with our powders can withstand harsh conditions and maintain structural integrity in high-stress environments, including critical structural applications.

Biomedical Devices: The biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties of the ceramics obtained open new avenues in the biomedical field. Custom implants and scaffolds with complex geometries can be produced. The smooth surface finish and high precision are particularly advantageous for reducing wear and enhancing the longevity of implants.

Electronics and Energy: Our powders enable the manufacture of ceramic parts with precise shapes and dimensions, insulating properties and high thermal stability, critical for electronic devices and energy storage systems.

The study underscores the significant advancements in robocasting 3D printing achievable with Baikowski® powders. The superior printability, structural integrity, and ability to create complex geometries position these powders as a valuable resource in various high-performance applications.

As additive manufacturing continues to evolve, Baikowski® remains at the forefront, driving innovation and expanding the possibilities in ceramic fabrication.

See all  the details in the PhD thesis (only in French)

Ceramic 3D printing powders and slurries: White Paper

💡Discover advanced 3D printing powders and slurries that improve the precision and customization of ceramic parts

Explore our dedicated white paper to:

  • Uncover the future of additive manufacturing with our in-depth white paper on ceramic 3D printing and learn about the importance of advanced materials such as high purity alumina, zirconia, ZTA, and spinel solutions in enhancing compatibility with different printing processes (fusion and non fusion-based methods)
  • Get an insight into Baikowski®’s tailored solutions designed to enable precision and customization of your ceramic parts, along with comprehensive information about ceramic 3D printing principles, applications, main technologies, and current advantages and limitations.
  • Witness stereolithography parts crafted using our premium alumina powders and slurries that are pushing boundaries, allowing for ceramics with intricate detailing high density and strength in various industries such as the industrial, energy, electronics sectors and more.
  • Explore scientific publications showcasing the innovative uses of our products.

Learn more by downloading 👇

 

Ceramic 3D printing powders and slurries
WHITE PAPER

4N Alumina, Zirconia, ZTA and Spinel
advanced solutions

Ceramic 3D printing white paper on powders and slurries adavaned solutions

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Advanced Alumina and Nano-Zirconia solutions for batteries: White Paper

💡 Eager to learn how high purity alumina (HPA) solutions can help address key limitations in battery performance 💡

The increasing demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions highlights the importance of advancing battery technology.

This white paper explores:

  • The various types of batteries, including solid-state batteries which are seen as the future of automotive batteries, and their applications across different industries.
  • How high-purity alumina (HPA) can address the technological challenges faced by battery systems. With benefits ranging from enhanced safety to improved structural integrity, HPA has paved the way for significant technological advancements.
  • How our research and development team can customize solutions to meet your specific battery requirements.

Whether you need 4N alumina or nano-zirconia solutions, dowmload our white paper to get a valuable insights into Baikowski’s cutting-edge battery solutions.👇

 

ADVANCED MATERIALS FOR BATTERIES
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4N Alumina & Nano-Zirconia solutions

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Aluminate solutions for inorganic detectors: White Paper

💡Discover our phosphor & spinel solutions for a high quantum efficiency of your inorganic detection systems

Explore Baikowski® easy-friendly solutions, as well as our promising development areas, for your inorganic detectors.

After a summary of the detection principles and high-end applications, you will figure out the conditions for a high quantum efficiency of your detection systems, including the most compact ones.

Learn more about our standard offering & tailor-made approach by downloading our white paper.👇

 

INORGANIC DETECTORS
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4N submicron aluminate powders & doping solutions

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Automotive : How YAG-based converters enhance Adaptive Driving Beam technology ?

Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) is a smart system that can automatically adjust the light distribution of the headlights according to the traffic conditions, such as the presence of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. By creating a glare-free area around vehicles, ADB can provide optimal illumination at long distances for the driver without dazzling other road users, enhancing both safety and comfort at night. ADB technology rely on perception systems that gather data, software controls that trigger an appropriate response, and advanced headlamp optics incorporating YAG converters to carry out the command.

Light conversion phosphors role in the solid-state lighting and ADB technology?

High power LED chip made with fine YAG powder

The light source is a key component for ABD, which is usually based on LED (light-emitting diode) technology and light changes are mainly controlled with a LED matrix design.

If LED have efficiency, long lifetime, low power consumption and fast response advantages over conventional halogen or xenon lamps, they also have color light rendering and thermal stability challenges. For high-power applications such as ADB, thermal stability and luminescent efficiency of phosphors can overcome these drawbacks.

Indeed, light conversion phosphors are materials that can absorb light of a certain wavelength (usually blue or near-ultraviolet) and re-emit light of a different wavelength (usually yellow or red). By combining the original and the converted light, white light with a desired color temperature and color rendering index can be obtained. The ideal color temperature for headlight should be close to the sunlight (around 5000K-6000K) in order to provide optimal visibility for human eyes.

One of the most widely used light conversion phosphors for white LEDs is YAG:Ce3+ (yttrium aluminum garnet doped with cerium ions) that efficiently convert blue into yellow light, resulting in a warm white light with a high luminous efficacy. By producing a high brightness and contrast ratio, it helps to create a clear and sharp image on the road.

Baikowski® high crystallinity, phasic and chemical purity submicronic YAG:Ce powder offers optimized particle size and distribution that allows the production of YAG-based converters with outstanding performances such as:

  • 🌟 High efficiency with minimal energy wasted as heat and high light-performance from the input source
  • 🌟 A quick and accurate response to the input signal for precise adjustments.
  • 🌟 Exceptional stability in both light color and brightness

Fully compatible with nanostructured blue diodes and various LED chip designs, our YAG nanophosphors enable device miniaturization>

Learn more about Baikowski® unique submicronic YAG powders

Custom YAG-based converters for high-performance ADB lighting

By doping, enhanced performance of YAG:Ce3+ can be achieved. Here are some examples that could comply with your ADB lighting specification needs:

  • 🌟 Color rendering: Doping YAG:Ce3+ with Tb3+ (terbium ions) allows a broader emission spectrum that improves the color rendering index of the white light.
  • 🌟 Emissive properties and stability: the addition of gadolinium (Gd3+) ions as a codopant ensures consistent color and brightness
  • 🌟 Quantum efficiency: Europium codoping can boost the quantum efficiency of the YAG:Ce phosphor, resulting in enhanced light output

Do not hesitate to contact our commercial and R&D teams for tailored YAG design.

 

Advanced Material for oxide CMCs: White Paper

Ceramic Matrix Composites have gained significant attention in recent years due to their remarkable properties and wide range of applications. Indeed, they are used in various sectors ranging from automotive components and aerospace structures to electrical insulators and biomedical devices.

Our white paper tackles the different types of composites and in particular Ox/Ox CMCs, whose lightweight nature, high strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability have paved the way for advancements in energy reduction and material performance.

💡But what is an outstanding matrix and how is a slurry formulated for an Ox/Ox CMC of high quality?

The continuous growth in the demand for enhanced CMC properties is driving force for strong R&D at Baikowski®. You are going to find here under our alumina and mullite powders (<1μm) that offer very good processability and high performance.

Moreover, we can design customised solutions that meet your specific needs and requirements such as :

  • Doping and chemical composition: sintering aids, possible addition of nanozirconia particles for improved refractoriness
  • Powders can be delivered in multiple forms: binder free spray dried powders for easy dispersion, concentrated aqueous slurries (typical solid loading ≈ 50wt%), funtionnalized powders for easy dispersion in non-aqueous solvents.
    Those materials can also be used (especialy in the form of spray dried powders) in thermal spray process to produce TBC (thermal barrier coatings)

Explore right now our standard offering & tailor-made approach by downloading our white paper.
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ADVANCED MATERIAL FOR OXIDE CMCs
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4N Alumina & Mullite solutions

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Advanced Materials for oxide CMC

 

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The aerospace industry reshaped by oxide CMCs’ performance and sustainability

The exploration of combining ceramic matrices with reinforcing fibers has started in the 1980s with the aim of creating advanced material composites with high temperature resistance and lightweight properties.

It was primarily driven by the aerospace industry’s need to enhance the performance of vital components like turbine blades, thermal protection systems (TPS), structural elements, brakes and more, as well as to decrease fuel consumption.

High purity alumina (HPA) powderAs the aviation industry continues to shape the future and work towards decarbonization, Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) play a crucial role and are experiencing fast growth.

Baikowski®, at the forefront of  high-performance Ox/Ox CMC material development, has actively contributed to this paradigm shift. These CMCs offer temperature stability, low density, hardness, wear resistance and above all, they are not sensitive to oxidation compare to other CMCs.

Moreover, thanks to constant innovation in decarbonizing our manufacturing processes, Baikowski® oxide solutions benefit from a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment. This involves assessing the environmental impact at each stage of the material’s life cycle to promote the implementation of sustainable practices and a more eco-friendly supply chain.

See our 4N alumina & mullite solutions for CMCs

Ready-to-use and ready-to-press oxides

Ox/Ox CMC benefits for aero-engine applications

Combining oxide matrix with oxide fiber, such as alumina or mullite, results in better overall mechanical, physical and thermal properties. These CMCs offer reliable performance at temperatures up to 1,300°C, and no need for cooling air requirements, allowing the end products to be used in different aero-engine applications, such as combustion liners of gas turbine engines, heat shields and exhaust cones for example.

They have spurred innovation and efficiency in particular thanks to their :

CMC ceramic matrix composite on jet bladesMechanical strength

Ox/Ox CMCs’ mechanical strength proves advantageous in engine components subjected to mechanical stresses, such as combustion liners. Their robust nature ensures liners to withstand the intense forces and rapid temperature fluctuations associated with the combustion process.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance is also a cornerstone in fortifying the structural integrity of critical parts and significantly extend the lifespan and reliability of aerospace components exposed to harsh atmospheric conditions.

Over the years, CMCs in general and Ox/Ox CMCs have found applications beyond the aerospace industry, demonstrating their versatility and performance advantages in various fields, including the automotive, energy, electronics, defense and medical sectors.

Baikowski® advanced 4N alumina & mullite solutions for Ox/Ox CMCs

oxide polishing solutionsDeveloping high quality Ox/Ox CMCs with superior performance properties for critical components required precise control over the characteristics of high purity alumina-based powders and slurries such as :

  • 🌟 A well-dispersed and stable slurry, which is crucial for achieving the desired microstructure and mechanical properties of the final CMC, requires a fine and uniform particle distribution powder (< 1μm).
  • 🌟 An optimal viscosity guarantees the desired structural integrity of the component
  • 🌟 A high sintering reactivity allows for control over porosity and ensures rapid and efficient densification. These factors, in turn, impact CMC’s mechanical strength and thermal properties.
  • 🌟 A densification temperature  kept as low as possible is determinant to preserve the structural and mechanical properties of the fibers and to ensure the overall stability of the CMC.
  • 💡 Moreover, dopants can be added to improve specific characteristics, do not hesitate to contact us for tailor design. 💡

Among Baikowski® CMC offering, our SM8 powder and ready-to-use BA15-PSS slurry stand out, as well as our latest innovation SLAz, a High Purity Alumina Slurry with Nano-Zirconia Doping. Additionally, we have innovatively created a mullite solution for a better compatibility with mullite fibers.

For a deeper dive into our advanced materials for oxide CMCs and insights into what is an outstanding matrix and how is a slurry formulated for an Ox/Ox CMC of high quality, explore our dedicated white paper 👇

Advanced Materials for oxide CMCs
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Advanced Materials for oxide CMC

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