Technology
The process itself is an adaptation of the gas phase condensation method combined with proprietary trade secrets and intellectual property. Metal is vaporized using resistance heat at a temperature beyond the boiling point of the material, until a sufficient rate of vaporization is achieved. By computer control of the metal flux, chamber pressure, temperature and gas flow, nanopowders having the desired size and particle distribution can be easily made at any production rate desired. The resistance heated vapor condensation method provides the best quality powder having the lowest level of agglomeration and fewest impurities. This method is the clear choice for production of highly energetic, ultra-pure nanopowders.
Intellectual Property
Patent applications have been filed covering the specifics of the above proprietary advantages to our novel method for processing and collecting nanomaterials and devices and applications enabled by the use of nanomaterials.
Competing Technologies
Nanoscale materials were first created in the 1980’s using the gas phase condensation method. Today there are dozens of processes for producing nanomaterials worldwide. These processes include chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, reactive sputtering, laser pyrolysis, plasma gun spray conversion, mechanical alloying, grinding and sol gel. Most of these processes are relatively expensive requiring sophisticated and expensive equipment and frequent high-touch labor maintenance. In addition, these methods result in products with inconsistent particle size, distribution, shape and impurities.
Our Process
Our process is fully automated; running 24/7 continuously it requires no supervision and little down time for reactor maintenance. Unlike competitive processes, we have literally removed the potential for human error and expensive labor from the manufacturing equation. Our higher production rates and lower labor and conversion costs will enable widespread application of these advanced nanomaterials by large manufacturers of consumer and industrial products, at reasonable prices.
Analysis
At QuantumSphere, our primary focus is to produce ultra-fine metallic nano powders that will enhance the performance of our customers' end-use products. We manufacture our powders according to our customer's specifications and maintain a very narrow particle range. In order to ensure the quality of our product, we analyze each batch before it is shipped using analytical techniques such as: surface area measurement, thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
Environmentally Friendly
We manufacture the highest quality of metallic nanopowder in the industry without compromising our commitment to the environment. As a result, we do not use hazardous chemicals or toxic gases in our manufacturing process. Our process produces >85% high quality nanopowder from feedstock and waste is completely recycled.
