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CERAMICS
701/97
Inorganic coatings on plastic. The use of a flexible polymeric substrate for thin film glasses whose chemical, thermal and optical properties are compatible, is new. The innovative procedure of sol gel processing of inorganic coatings for deposition on plastic and rare-earth doped thin films on polymer substrates for fluorescence and lase applications has many uses including flexible integrated optics and optical circuitry which can be incorporated into fiber cables. Applications in the area of switches, multiplexers and hermetic coatings on optical fibres and perishable goods have also been proposed.
Available for licensing. Contact: Gregg Kyle, Senior Manager, Health Care Licensing, New Jersey, Fax: (908) 445-5670, email: kyle@orsp.rutgers.edu
702/97
Microcrack detection in ceramics. With the increased use of engineering ceramics in applications which involve placing mechanical stress on components during use e.g. with ceramic turbine blades, internal combustion engine components, space applications, etc. there still exists the danger of brittle fracture which can lead to a sudden, sometimes catastrophic, failure. Most often, this can not be predicted, since brittle failure originates from micro-fissures, i.e. microscopic discontinuities, within the material. When these are of the order of < 100 microns - as is often the case - detection is usually difficult or impossible. By applying a high electric voltage gradient, an intensification of the electric field takes place at the discontinuities which can be detected. The CSIRO Division of CET would be interested in obtaining external funding to undertake a preliminary 'proof of concept' study in order to demonstrate technical feasibility which then could lead to the development of a unique field instrument.
Contact Dr. Stephen G. Szirmai, CSIRO, Sydney, Australia , e-mail: szi002@syd.dcet.csiro.au
703/98
High strength ceramic bricks. Using various salts to add in to a clay mixture and saturated salt solutions to
develop "green bricks" are proposed. This increases the strength of the fired bricks by at least
2.5 times and it was also discovered that modification of colours can also be obtained this way. Our research was aimed at
reviving the use of brick pavements for walks and roads. For further information contact
Dr. Oleg Kulikov, IPM of RAS, Russia, E-mail: ab9333@msk.sitek.net
704/98
Reduction of surface fractures by specially designed die. Extruding die for plastics and a process for reducing surface fracture
problems are proposed. We used clay for effect demonstration. Specially
configured insertions into the die mouth were used for producing a clay
column with thin openings. Results of our research could improve quality of
clay bricks and other plastic products.Contact Dr. Oleg Kulikov, IPM of RAS, Russia, E-mail: ab9333@msk.sitek.net
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