Ceramic materials
Swerea IVF conducts research and development of ceramic materials. Ceramic materials are a broad group of materials that are used as construction materials, materials for design and household use, and materials in electronic, optical and magnetic applications.
Ceramics are materials with high resistance to thermal, mechanical and chemical influences and are therefore used as high temperature materials, as carriers of catalysts or friction materials in critical components. Ceramic materials are also used for their chemical, magnetic, optical or electrical properties in sensors and actuators. Activities within ceramics at Swerea IVF cover a wide field of materials including construction ceramics, bioceramics, electroceramics, refractory materials and porcelain. Activities within ceramics comprise manufacturing processes, prototype development, the characterisation of materials and powders, prototyping and design using ceramic materials.
Examples of activities:
•Characterisation of powders (ceramics, metal powders and hard metals)
•Characterisation of powder suspensions and powder-based pastes
•Methods of granulating powders (ceramics, metal powders and hard metals)
•Shaping processes for ceramic components
•Ceramic sintering methods
•The development of ceramic prototypes
•Characterisation of the material properties of ceramics
Swerea IVF works with a wide range of powder forming methods such as slip casting, gel casting, granulation and pressing, tape casting, extrusion and powder injection moulding. The development of powder handling and ceramic forming processes is carried out in a structured and systematic way, through a solid foundation in surface and colloid chemistry and rheology. The research team participates in international projects and is internationally recognized within the field of ceramic forming processes.
In the development of innovative new products, key components made from ceramics may be used to increase product performance and longevity. Swerea IVF can play an important role in this development through the potential to develop prototypes and small series of components using techniques that can be scaled up to efficient production.
Since ceramics are important materials for dental and orthopaedic applications, the development of bioceramic applications takes place within these areas. Ceramic packaging is developed in cooperation with electronic packaging, integrating ceramic and metallic conductors, both based upon two-dimensional multi-layer technology (LTCC) and three-dimensional computer-controlled freeform fabrication. In this way, ceramic packaging is developed for sensors being used in harsh environments and for cooling high-power electronics.
Further information