Technical Ceramics
and Ceramic Composites

Dedicated to Research, Development And Innovation

Who we are:

Technical Ceramics and Ceramic Composites Manufacturing Group is a part of the Institute of Materials Processing (IMP), located on the Michigan Technological University campus in Houghton, Michigan.
The Group's aim is to provide industrial clients with the full breadth of technical expertise in technical ceramics and ceramic composites needed to enhance and expand their business, to assist government agencies and industrial associates in accomplishing their charters, and to participate in the University's academic programs.
The Group is dedicated to developing practical and innovative ceramics composites technologies that are economically viable and environmentally sound. It seeks opportunities in technology commercialization that fill needs in the market place.
The Group has submitted several patent applications on material compositions, methods, processes and equipment. Since the inception, the Group has performed over 50 projects. These projects have been sponsored by industrial firms as well as federal and state agencies.
The Group conducts research and development in a multidisciplinary mode with other groups in the IMP and MTU academic departments. Besides having highly qualified full-time professionals, both undergraduate and graduate level engineers and scientists participate in research activities. Where additional expertise is required, consultants, engineering firms and other subcontractors are used to supplement the group's effort.
When necessary, the group can enter into confidential agreements with research sponsors and can undertake both proprietary and classified work. Cooperative development programs with industrial partners and government agencies are strongly encouraged.

What are the Group's major thrust areas?

Chemical synthesis of technical ceramics, bio-ceramics, nanometer ceramic and ceramic composites
Processing, fabrication, and consolidation of technical ceramics, bio-ceramics, nanometer ceramics and ceramic composites

Near net-shape fabrication
High pressure and high temperature forming
Microwave processing of ceramics
Surface coating
Joining both similar and dissimilar materials
Materials evaluation
Prototype ceramic manufacturing
Technology commercialization

How can we help you?

The Technical Ceramics and Ceramic Composites Manufacturing Group is staffed with multidisciplinary, highly technical, professional researchers and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that include (key equipment):

Mobile powder spray drying unit
Size reduction equipment, several types available
Air classifier
Computer controlled torque rheometer
Twin screw kneader extruder
25 ton screw injection molder
35 ton plunger injection molder
3-KW microwave system
Several air furnaces
Hot press
Over-pressure nitriding and sintering furnace
2000^oC mini HIP unit
Triple length controlled atmosphere glove box
Tape casting machine
Fiber-spinning equipment
CVD-hot filament, microwave and radio frequency

What type of analytical tools we use?

Chemical analysis- AA, ICP, FTIR, UV, CHN, S, MS and XRF
Powder characterization-BET, Pycnometer, Zeta and XRD
Microscopy- SEM, TEM, EDX, Probe and Image Analysis
Size analysis- Microtrac, Sedigraph and Nano-coulter Counter
Rheological characterization- Rheometer
Surface analysis- Raman and Auger
Thermal analysis- DTA, DSC and TMA
Mechanical testing

Examples of Ceramics Equipment: Click on snapshot for larger image

Arburg 25 Ton Screw Injection Molding Machine	Torque Rheometer and Hot Compounder	Hull 35 Ton Plunger Injection Molding Machine
Lindberg 1800'C Box Furnace	Spray Dryer

Do you have a materials or minerals processing problem?
Contact IMP

Mail to:
The Institute of Materials Processing (IMP)
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Office: Room 212 M&M Building
Phone: 906/487-2600
Fax: 906/487-2921
e-mail: jhwang@mtu.edu

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