KAERI's nanoparticle production technology ranks third in Russia's 100 best patents
Excellence of ceramic nanoparticle production, formation technology using electron beam recognized.

(Photo) Nanoparticle production technology (left) using an electron beam; zirconia nanoparticles produced using the technology.

A nanoparticle production technology developed by a Korean research team through international collaboration was found to rank third among all patents registered in Russia last year. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (President Yang Myung-seung) said on October 12 that "The alumina(Al2O3), zirconia(ZrO2) ceramic nanoparticle production technology and actual shape formation technology using the magnetic pulse compression method" ranked third among the 100 best patents of 2008 as recently selected by the Russian government.

The technology was developed through international joint research between KAERI and the Institute of Electrophysics of Russia.

Notably, the technology that ranked third among patents in Russia allows for the production of high purity nanoparticles that are consistent in size measuring 10 nanometers by projecting in a concentrated manner electron beams generated with a pulse electron beam accelerator into a narrow space, thus evaporating and compressing the target metal. Also drawing keen attention was a discrete technology that allows for the production of nanoparticles in a desired shape while maintaining a consistent nano-structure and high density using a magnetic pulse compression technique, a type of dynamic compaction.

The technology is an integration of Russia's electron beam apparatus production technology and Korea's electronic system technology and nanoparticle production technology. Equipment such as the beam array device was produced in Russia, while studies for characterization were conducted in Korea to complete the technology. KAERI has completed the design and production of an electron beam apparatus that uses solid state targets for the first time in the world through close collaboration with the Institute of Electrophysics of Russia, and has finished the production of nanoparticles.

In cost analysis, the technology is highly economical as it allows for the production of high-purity particles through a low-energy process thanks to high-energy proficiency. Additionally, it will have applications in diverse fields, including the development of ultra-fine structured parts and components, as it allows for formation in sophisticated shapes, while maintaining the excellence of nanoparticles.

Lee Chang-kyu, senior researcher at the Atomic Materials Research Division at KAERI, said, "The new technology allows for the development of high-strength, high-toughness, ultrahigh precision, and ultra-small materials. Hence, the technology is expected to have diverse applications, including lightweight parts, electromagnetic parts, semiconductors, optical devices, and catalyst materials." Lee added, "Using this technology, we are currently developing separate technology to produce cathode materials and applied technologies of high-performance, dynamic particle formation."

Lim Eun-hee
redant645 at hellodd.com
[October 20, 2009]
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Source - HelloDD.com