Nanopowder Synthesis
Process description
Tekna’s nanoparticle manufacturing technology provides the means for processing of a wide range of materials of specific properties at a relatively high yield and affordable production cost. This convenient technology is well adapted to the growing interest arising not only from academic institutions and research centers, but more importantly from industries in their search for a reliable and high capacity nanoparticle manufacturing technology.
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Nanopowders production is one the most widely accepted applications of induction plasma because of the high temperature processing capability and high quench rates that can be achieved. The induction plasma torch possesses a high flexibility and tolerance to processing chemistry because because of the high purity of the processing environment. Since the residence time in our systems is higher than those observed in DC plasmas, precursors in the form of powders are better treated and there is less variation in the quality of the final product. Nanoparticles produced by plasma demonstrate a high level of crystalline structure, spherical morphology, narrow particle size distribution, and high purity. Tekna’s induction plasma systems are used for the synthesis and preparation of nanomaterials such as ceramics and metallic powders. The typical size of the nanoparticles produced ranges from 20 to 100 nm, depending on the operating conditions. Our systems produce nanopowders with a high and stable quality and require little maintenance or monitoring. On-line surface treatment can be achieved with this technology. |
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| Type of Material | Examples | Typical Mean Diameter | Precursor Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Metals |
All Metals (Ag, Al, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Re, Ta, Ti, W ...) |
20-75 nm | Solid/Gas Phase |
| Oxides | Al2O3, NiO, SiO2, Tio2,ZrO2 ... | 50-100 nm | Solid/Liquid/Gas Phase |
| Carbides | B4C, SiC, WC ... | 40-80 nm | Solid/Liquid/Gas Phase |
| Nitrides | TiN, BN, Si3N4 ... | 20-80 nm | Solid/Liquid/Gas Phase |
Nanopowder Induction plasma technology provides a good control on the nanoparticle size based on the reactor design and quench gas flow rate.
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Applications
Nanomaterials (nanocrystalline materials) are materials possessing grain sizes on the order of a billionth of a meter. They manifest extremely fascinating and useful properties, which may be exploited for a variety of structural and non-structural applications. We have produced a wide range of nano-materials using our induction plasma technology. Below, you will find the most notable applications:
Electronic componentsNanopowders offer a unique opportunity for semiconductor packaging. Alumina and silica powders can be used for electronic chips, to dissipate heat faster. Nanoparticles can be added to polymers and adhesives to make them electrically conductive. As well, the melting point of metals can be significantly reduced if the particles are small enough, giving more freedom to microelectronic manufacturing processes. In addition, residual magnetism, and the band gap of a semiconductor, strongly depend on the size of the component crystals. |
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Pigments and additivesPigment and additive properties are directly related to the size of their particles. Since our technology is contamination-free (no electrode, no contamination), customers can produce desired nanopowders with high purity. |
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