Authors
Grzegorz Kubicki, Łukasiewicz Research Network- Poznań Institute of Technology, grzegorz.kubicki@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Jakub Wiśniewski, Łukasiewicz Research Network- Poznań Institute of Technology, jakub.wisniewski@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Mateusz Marczewski, Łukasiewicz Research Network- Poznań Institute of Technology, mateusz.marczewski@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Joanna Półrolniczak, Łukasiewicz Research Network- Poznań Institute of Technology, joanna.polrolniczak@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Aim of the project
cerMAXmet is a spin-off project that aims to commercialize highly advanced solutions based on ternary carbides – MAX phases. As a part of Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology, our research team has developed a synthesis technology for these materials to significantly decrease energy costs and process time, greatly increasing our economic advantage over conventional processes. Throughout international projects conducted with aerospace industry partners, we have developed a complete production chain for various MAX phase parts, complex shape systems, and coating systems for high temperature, corrosion environment, and wear applications.
Short description of the problem addressed by this project
Commercially available MAX phases on the market have lower phase purity than the product proposed in the project. Offering products characterized by a confirmed purity higher than in the case of competing products will allow for the marketing of a product with significantly higher performance properties. The presence of additional phases in addition to those declared by the manufacturer is treated as an impurity, as it significantly affects the performance properties of the finished products.
Main results and achievements
We are able to produce MAX phases of high phase purity in powder form, ready for R&D. The versatility of our technology allows us to conduct custom synthesis of different MAX stoichiometries with a high success ratio.
We have successfully developed various forming technologies implementing Spark Plasma Sintering, Aerosol Cold Spray, and machining methods for the production of bulk bodies, coatings, and completed parts according to our partners’ specifications.
Our products have been tested using harsh environment simulators, such as plasma tunnels that simulate re-entry conditions, where they excelled with their durability, mechanical resistance, and oxidation resistance.
Conclusion
MAX phases are known materials that have been developed for over 20 years. Still, the commercial use of these materials has been limited to a few cases. The CerMAXmet project aims to increase the market’s awareness of the new possibilities, resulting in the industrial implementations of these advanced ceramic solutions. The technology creators have created a spin-off company CERMAXMET PSA and are currently involved in several implementations of their solutions in industry.
Acknowledgments
The research was carried out as part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology internal projects No. BS.901.0108 and S-5304-0-2022 financed by the Polish Ministry of Education and Science.