Method for Sintering Ceramic Materials

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This patent describes a simplified method for densifying (sintering) ceramic materials—specifically those containing cuprates—by exposing them to an electric field at temperatures below 800°C, often close to room temperature. Unlike traditional sintering, which requires high temperatures and sometimes pressure, this invention achieves comparable material compaction quickly, with low energy use, and minimal technical effort. The result is dense ceramic parts, including high-temperature superconductors, without significant grain growth or the need for extensive thermal processing.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Manufacturing high-temperature superconducting components (e.g., YBCO wires and tapes) for magnets or power applications.
• Production of advanced ceramic materials for electronics, sensors, and electric elements.
• Creation of composite ceramics where insulating materials like alumina are combined with cuprates for tailored properties.
• Fabrication of light-emitting devices using specially densified ceramic materials.
• Rapid prototyping and low-cost production of complex ceramic shapes for research or industrial uses.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduced energy consumption and production costs due to low-temperature processing.
• Much faster production, sometimes in under a minute, compared to hours or days for traditional sintering.
• Technical simplicity—no need for high-temperature furnaces or complex pressure systems.
• Enables densification of ceramics or composites that are otherwise difficult to process using conventional methods.
• Improved control over grain size and material properties, leading to better mechanical and functional performance.
• Reduced risk of undesirable grain growth and phase changes, enhancing product quality.
• Potential for scalable and flexible manufacturing (e.g., in layered or composite structures).

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a compacted component and to an article which comprises a compacted component. In a method for producing a compacted component (10), a starting material (20) at a temperature (T) below 800°C is exposed to an electric field (12). The starting material (20) comprises a first material (14) from the group of cuprates. The method is technically undemanding because compacting is possible without the starting material being heated.