Category: Applications

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

Baikowski®’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.

Lear 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

High-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.

High Purity Alumina for Optical kiss- Polishing

High-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 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.

By constantly expanding our knowledge of materials science and surface, Baikowski® delivers innovative solutions that meet the needs of the medical industry.

Our tailored bioceramic solutions are meticulously engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern medical applications, ensuring superior performance, safety, and durability.

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

 

In 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.

 

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

Comparative Analysis: superior performance of Baikalox® Fine Alumina for Aluminum and Copper Alloys

Baikalox® products with higher specific surface area and uniform particle size offer a compelling alternative to traditional colloidal silica suspensions 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® alumina product 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: The “orange peel effect” 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, effectively eliminates this issue, leading to 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 from polished surfaces. 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.

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 fine or finishing polishing. Finishing polishing aims to remove the damage induced by the coarse polishing stage and produce a mirror-like surface suitable for microscopic examination.

Our 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.

Metal Polishing and Metallography applications

Metal polishing is essential across various industries, as well as research fields that require precise material characterization and analysis, such as:

• In the aerospace and automotive industries, polished metal samples are examined to ensure the integrity and performance of critical components.
• In electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, metallographic analysis aids in the development of advanced materials and the assessment of microstructural properties.
• The biomedical field also benefits from metallographic polishing, particularly in the development and quality control of metallic implants and devices.
• In the watch industry: High-precision polishing is crucial for ensuring the quality and aesthetic appeal of metal components in watches, contributing to both their durability and visual appeal.

This comparative analysis clearly demonstrate Baikalox® alumina higher performance for final polishing of aluminum and copper alloys than colloifal silica. This advancement promises to enhance the quality and precision of metallographic preparations, driving innovation and reliability in these fields and beyond, in metal polishing.

For tailored advice on selecting the appropriate Baikalox® product to suit your needs, contact us. Our team of experts is ready to guide you in choosing the best solution for achieving the highest quality surface finishes.

See all our polishing solutions

The 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

Robocasting, 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

1. • 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

1. 1. • 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)

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.

As 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

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 :

Mechanical 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

Developing 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. 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
white paper

Download

LED technology: a sustainable lighting & display solution

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have revolutionized various industries, by providing energy-efficient solutions with less environmental impact than traditional lighting for a wide range of applications, including display screens, car displays and lightings, electronics and smart devices.

Thanks to to the direct conversion of electrical current into light (optical radiation) within the semiconductor material, LEDs exhibit this remarkable level of efficiency. However, a significant portion of the electrical power is also transformed into heat during the process.

High Purity Alumina, YAG & nanomaterials role in advanced LED technology

High Purity Alumina (HPA) plays an essential role in producing the substrate, which serves as a foundation for the LED chip, affecting its overall performance, thermal management, and efficiency. Thanks to its exceptional ability to resist high temperatures, conduct heat efficiently, and insulate against electrical conductivity, LED lights can operate at their maximum potential.

As a highly efficient heat-dissipating component, High Purity Alumina (HPA) has contributed to the LED technology sustainability. Indeed, by maintaining LEDs at optimal temperatures, they maximize their performance and extends their operational lifespan, about 30,000 hours, equivalent to 6 hours of daily illumination for 12 years.

HPA has also influences the optical performance of LED lights, particularly in applications demanding color purity and accuracy. Its uniform crystal structure enhance light diffraction and color consistency in applications like display screens and specialized lighting.

Beyond HPA, Baikowski® also manufactures phosphors, used among other things for generating a broader spectrum of colors, such as its submicronic YAG product that offers a natural-looking white light. For instance, it is used in white LEDs and plasma display panels, as well as adaptive headlights to create different colors and intensities of light depending on the driving situation and the environment.

💡 As technology continues to evolve, Baikowski® finely-tuned oxides solutions and Mathym® advanced nanomaterials, that offer high crystallinity and controlled specific surface area, will have a role to play in the progress of emerging optics applications like mini-LED and micro-LED displays.💡

Integrating the superior performances of Mathym® nanoparticles, such as zilight®  into nanoscale structures or coatings, not only enables the miniaturization of optical devices, but also facilitates integration with other technologies, paving the way for the development of compact and multifunctional  LED lighting solutions.

🌟 Whether it’s LED lighting or cutting-edge displays, Baikowski® group is here to cater to your specific needs.🌟

View optics and photonics related products

What is the purpose of ceramic nanofillers?

Nanofillers are nanoparticles of oxides embedded into a matrix of diverse materials (polymers, resins, metal…). The “classical” nanofillers are meant to lower the cost of a material by replacing a higher value material. Furthermore, ceramic nanofillers have the benefit of strengthen the physical properties of the matrix, namely its mechanical, optical or thermal properties.

Moreover, we’ll show here a new type of nanofillers, designed for high performance applications. We are talking about the agglomerate-free nanomaterial dispersions.

Properties of innovative ceramic nanofillers

The agglomerate-free nanomaterials dispersed in various media are bringing outstanding properties:

• High solid loading
• High transmittance
• Low viscosity.

Mathym® and Baikowski® are producing several nanoparticles, which can be used as nanofillers. Here are some examples including high purity alumina (Al2O3) nano-dispersions, ceria (CeO2) and zirconia (ZrO2), as known as zilight® for Mathym:

The nanoparticles are agglomerate-free and delivered as a suspension. They are also known as nano-dispersions. Well dispersed, these nanoparticles used as nanofillers are solving some paradoxes:

• Radio-opacity / High transmittance, especially for the product YbF3 of Mathym, filyxio®
• Low sintering temperature / High density of the ceramic
• High refractive index / Low light scattering

Hence, the upper properties find their applications in several markets such as medical, technical ceramics, electronics, optronics…

Do you want to know more about our innovative ceramic nanofillers?

Discover Mathym® nanodispersions