Development of Aggregated Ceramic-based Nanomaterials

Tekna电感耦合等离子体技术可以生产各种性质的纳米材料（1D到3D）和复合材料，可用作结构部件（如金属基复合材料，MMC）的增强剂，或用作组件的构建块。然而，纳米粉体和纳米管等纳米材料容易形成团聚体，阻碍了它们在固体基体中的均匀分散，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用于这些纳米材料并适用于生产最终部件的成型工艺的纯化方法。大表观粒度的聚集（结合）纳米粉末可用于确保纳米材料在基体中的良好分散，同时更容易和更安全地处理。在这种情况下，Tekna希望开发一种聚集纳米粉末的方法，并希望探索两种材料系统-锆酸钆（GZO）纳米粉末和氮化硼纳米管与金属球形颗粒混合（MSP-BNNT复合材料）。本项目的目标是分别开发两种材料系统的骨料的分散方法。UWO为此提出了一种GZOnan纳米粉末的挤出-压片-研磨工艺和一种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当前的粉末涂料生产，其特点是低成本，高能效和配方变化的灵活性。他们有望解决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及其客户受益，并将为航空航天等需要高性能材料的行业创造新的商机。凭借张博士在这一领域的知识和专业知识，以及UWO和Tekna之间的密切合作，这项研究有望提升Tekna在这一领域的技术，并使Tekna在制造这种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.