Development of Aggregated Ceramic-based Nanomaterials

Tekna感应耦合等离子体技术可以生产各种性质(一维到三维)的纳米材料和组合物，可用作结构部件(如金属基复合材料，MMC)的增强剂，或用作部件的积木。然而，纳米材料如纳米粉末和纳米管容易形成团聚，阻碍了它们在固体基质中的均匀分散，从而严重限制了它们对复合材料性能的影响。主要的挑战在于开发一种适合于这些纳米材料的制备方法，并适应将产生最终部件的成型过程。大表观颗粒尺寸的聚集(粘合)纳米粉末可以用于确保纳米材料在基质中的良好分散，同时更容易和更安全地操作。在这方面，Tekna希望开发一种纳米粉末的聚合方法，并希望探索两种材料体系--锆酸格拉纳米粉(GZO)和掺入金属球状颗粒的氮化硼纳米管(MSP-BNNT复合材料)。该项目的目标将是开发分别制备这两种材料体系的集料的方法。为此，UWO提出了GZO纳米粉末的挤压-剥离-研磨工艺和MSP-BNNT复合材料的热压-研磨工艺。这两项创新技术的灵感来自于目前的粉末涂料制造，其特点是低成本、高能效和灵活的配方变化。预计他们将解决Tekna目前存在的问题。该项目的结果将由Tekna及其加拿大客户进行测试和验证。该项目的成功成果将使Tekna和他们的客户受益，并将为航空航天等需要高性能材料的行业创造新的商机。凭借张博士在该领域的知识和专业技能，以及UWO和Tekna之间的密切合作，这项研究有望提升Tekna在该领域的技术水平，使Tekna在制造此类先进材料方面处于领先地位。

Tekna inductively-coupled plasma technology can produce nanomaterials of various natures (1D to 3D) andcompositions which can be used as reinforcing agent in structural parts (like metal matrix composites, MMC),or as building blocks of components. However, nanomaterials like nanopowders and nanotubes tend to formagglomerates which prevent their homogeneous dispersion in a solid matrix, thus seriously limiting theirimpact on the performances of composite materials. The main challenge consists in developing a preparationmethod suitable for these nanomaterials and adapted to the shaping process that will produce final parts.Aggregated (bonded) nanopowders of large apparent particle sizes can be used for ensuring the good dispersionof a nanomaterials in a matrix, while being easier and safer to handle. In this context, Tekna would like todevelop an approach for aggregating nanopowders and would like to explore two material systems - thegadolinium zirconate (GZO) nanopowder and the boron nitride nanotubes mixed with metallic sphericalparticles (MSP-BNNT composite). The objective of this project would be developing methods of preparingaggregates of the two material systems respectively. An extrusion-flaking-grinding process for the GZOnanopowder and a hot-pressing-grinding process for the MSP-BNNT composite are proposed by UWO for thisresearch. These two innovative techniques are inspired from current powder coating manufacturing, whichfeatures low-cost, high energy-efficiency and flexibility in formulation variations. They are expected to resolvethe problems that Tekna currently has. The results of this project will be tested and validated by Tekna andtheir Canadian customer. Successful outcomes generated from this project will benefit both Tekna and theircustomer and will create new business opportunities with industries requiring high performances materials likeaerospace. With the knowledge and expertise Dr. Zhang has in this area, also with the close collaborationbetween UWO and Tekna, this research is expected to elevate Tekna's technology in this area and place Teknain the leading position in manufacturing such advanced materials.