SUMMARY
Stishovite is the hardest oxide material known and because it is an oxide, it is resistant to corrosion. It can be incorporated into machine tools for processes such as cutting and grinding, and can be used for polishing applications. However, the cost of making Stishovite has inhibiting greater adoption. Lehigh University has addressed this issue and developed a low cost preparation method. Previous preparation required temperatures of at least 1000˚C and pressure of about 10GPa. This invention allows preparation at 400˚C and pressure as low as 5 GPa. The process is designed to reduce the cost and time of manufacturing. The technology combines the benefits of hardness, uniform nanocrystallinity, and dispersability/processibility. Current developments are funded by a DARPA grant to scale up the processing to a commercial level.
Lehigh Tech ID#043007-01
THE MARKET
Stishovite nanoparticles, considered abrasive materials, are in high demand given their expanding applications. The material can be incorporated into work tools, used as coatings and in applications that require superior hardness and thermal resistance. Specifically the airframe industry for avionics is fostering demand for ultra hard materials. [1] As a representation of potential revenues, the US market alone is estimated at around $4.7 billion [2] with the global demand being around $23.8 billion. [3,4]
[1] “Finer Points” Superabrasive web site http://www.superabrasives.org/backissues/FinerPointsSummer2011.pdf (accessed May 6, 2012)
[2] “Abrasives to 2014 - Market Research, Market Share, Market Size, Sales, Demand Forecast, Market Leaders, Company Profiles, Industry Trends” Freedonia web site http://www.freedoniagroup.com/Abrasives.html (accessed May 6, 2012)
[3] “World Market for Abrasives Projected to Grow 5.6% per year from 2008 to 2013” Dedalus Consulting web site http://www.dedalusconsulting.com/news-events/press-releases/81-world-market-abrasives (accessed May 6, 2012)
[4] “World Market for Abrasives Projected to Grow 5.6% per year from 2008 to 2013” Dedalus Consulting web site http://www.dedalusconsulting.com/news-events/press-releases/81-world-market-abrasives (accessed May 6, 2012)
THE OPPORTUNITY
Lehigh University is interested in licensing this technology.