We have developed unique technology that gives us the capability
to engineer and tailor advanced materials and fabricate high
performance parts for the next millennium. Many of these parts
will replace conventional materials and significantly expand the
capabilities of the next generation of products. Some of these
materials will also facilitate miniaturization.
What do we do
best?
Our primary
strength and expertise is in the area of powder metallurgy and
coatings technologies. We MAKE powders and FABRICATE engineering
shapes using powders. With support from the SBIR program, MMI
has developed several novel techniques to synthesize
nanomaterials - surface area is greater than the volume –
(typical examples are dust and talcum powder that float in air)
of a wide range of metallic, intermetallic and ceramic powders.
What are the applications for
nanopowders?
There are
numerous markets for nanopowders that has been estimated to be
20 billion dollars worldwide by 2005 (Business Communications
Inc). Some of these include; cosmetics, pigments for paints,
cellular antennas, brazing alloys, filters and membranes,
magnetic devices, cellular antennas (flexible), card readers,
read write heads, sensors – (15 billion dollars in the US alone
in 2000 (Sensors magazine) - gas, liquid, motion, pressure,
chemical, biomedical), inks, thin films – (microelectronics – (MEMS/flat
panels) and optics), nozzles, wear resistant coatings, weapons,
decorative applications, battery and fuel cell electrodes,
switches, relays, capacitors, seals, bearings, thermal
management, chemomechanical polishing, automotive, textile and
aerospace components.
Why should
anybody buy nanopowders or nanostructured components?
Nanopowders
are the building blocks for the next generation of devices and
are a new class of engineered materials. Microelectronics in
particular will need to use such engineered materials to produce
high performance, faster response with superior characteristics
and reproducibility. The use of nanopowders can significantly
help in miniaturization of current products. To retain the
benefits of the nanostructured materials, components have to be
fabricated into various shapes/sizes using fast processing
methods.