INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
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Ceramics R&D Key to Solid-State Battery Future
Ceramic solid-state batteries offer the promise of faster recharging, greater energy storage, better thermal stability and longer life. Using sodium-ion instead of lithium-ion could add more benefits and solve some of the environmental and supply chain problems associated with lithium.
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CMCs – What’s the Big Deal?
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) have been at the top of the industry’s agenda for a number of years. At Ceramics Expo, this important subject has been covered in our past events and we are excited to be enabling further technological developments through leading the discussion again at our 2022 event. But, what makes this such a hot topic within the ceramic’s community?
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Biggest chip makers taking positions in gallium nitride (GaN)
Compound ceramics are driving innovation and growth in electronics industries. Silicon carbide (SiC) in recent years captured market share from plain silicon for power chips in EV chargers and energy storage systems. Infineon’s acquisition of GaN Systems and other recent announcements show that gallium nitride (GaN) has reached a tipping point as well.
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Market for SiC and GaN in power applications heating up
Several recent announcements indicate that adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) in power converter systems is accelerating. SiC and GaN are replacing silicon as the semiconductor material of choice in many applications in the electric vehicle and wider electronic markets.
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Tougher, lighter dental implant crowns
Shrimp inspires material for impact-resistant implants, sports equipment, body armors, exoskeletons, aircraft, and more.
Edited by Jake Kauffman
A research group from VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University, developed a sustainable, multiphase nanocomposite mimicking the peachick mantis shrimp, using it to manufacture dental implant crowns. This bioinspired material is an intermixing of birch-cellulose and a set of genetically engineered proteins. The outcome is a material that’s stronger, tougher, and substantially lighter than man-made technical ceramics, having the potential to become a next-generation material for a range of applications.
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Should I use ceramic cutting tools?
Author: Mike Ramsey
Recently, I was asked, “Should I use ceramic cutting tools?” My first question is, “What type of materials are you machining?” Some materials machined with ceramics are cast irons, hardened steels, and some nickel-based alloys. The answer to this question is up to you, but are you ready to use ceramics?
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SiC Chips: The Solution to the Semiconductor Shortage
Semiconductors are integral to the functioning of most modern technology. From personal electronics to vehicles, refrigerators to LED light fixtures.
However, shortage in chips ensued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting with an increasing demand for work-from-home technologies and entertainment electronics, supply chain and labor shortages, and even extreme events such as a factory fire in Japan’s Renesas Electronics facility and power plant cuts due to Texas’ unprecedented 2021 snowstorm, the industry’s manufacturing fell behind its demand.
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Enabling Efficiency in Ceramics Manufacturing for a Cleaner Future
With origins in earthenware vessels, the ceramics industry has come a long way from clay pots to components used in outer space. The creation of ceramics dates back as early as 4500 BC, with the pottery wheel estimated to have originated around 3129 BC. From the Ancient Egyptians (who we have the invention of kilns to thank for), to Greek civilizations, Chinese Porcelain, and the origins of stoneware from high temperature fired clays in Germany, their capabilities have undoubtedly stood the test of time.
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Promising Advancements in Environmental Barrier Coatings for CMCs
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) are one of the most exciting materials being developed for, predominantly, aerospace and energy applications. With the addition of fibers within the material’s composition, CMCs can withstand extreme temperatures, are resistant to oxidation, and are also light-weight compared to alternative materials.
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Ceramics as an Enabling Material for the Future of Connectivity
Connectivity has become the zeitgeist of the 21st century. In a world undeniably governed by digital communication, the emergence of developing technologies to facilitate this global phenomenon continues to expand rapidly.
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Future proofing the Ceramics Industry in a Decarbonized World
The ceramic industry has huge potential for green practices. This potential is two fold: one in manufacturing and the other in applications. With the US having rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement earlier this year, it has become imperative for industries to comply with regulations and meet the targets and standards set by the national and international authorities.
