PyroGenesis Canada Inc announced that it was awarded an Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Phase 2 contract of $1.15 million for developing a hybrid ceramic powder (HCP) processing system for the National Research Council Canada.
The Montreal-based company will build a system using its unique thermal plasma solution that would process ceramic powder and carbon nanotube synthesis in the same plasma reactor, the release said.
Carbon nanotubes hold significant potential for mechanical reinforcement in composite materials, including ceramic composites. However, the bundling of the carbon nanotubes prevents this process.
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“The main competitive advantage of our solution is the ability to process ceramic powder in the same reactor as the carbon nanotube synthesis, allowing for production in a single step,” said Pierre Carabin, chief strategist of PyroGenesis. “We believe this process will prove far more efficient and scalable than conventional technologies such as the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process.”
Carabin added: “We believe that our technology is capable of processing a variety of composite materials, which could lead to the development of new IP and product lines for other specialty powder production technologies.”
PyroGenesis is building an integrated and automated system to produce high-quality ceramic powder products in a safe, economical, and highly scalable manner. The company would first optimize the process, then finalize the design and manufacturing of the system. The concept was approved in Phase 1.
“We are extremely proud to have been chosen by the Government of Canada for this award, and believe our selection aligns with the goals of this program by supporting technological innovation and fostering economic development,” P. Peter Pascali, CEO and Chair of PyroGenesis said.
He added that the success of this innovative process would allow the company to further expand its capabilities in carbon nanotube and specialty powder production.
“In addition to its commercial potential, this process provides numerous environmental benefits,” Pascali said. “For instance, the main source of energy to drive the plasma torch will be renewable hydroelectric power.”
PyroGenesis has positioned itself as a leader in the design, development, manufacture, and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). The team has created proprietary, patented, and advanced plasma technologies that are being used by multiple multibillion-dollar industry leaders in iron ore pelletization, aluminum, waste management, and additive manufacturing.
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