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Based on its unique characteristics and demonstrated performance, it represents a new development in ceramic/glass science with excellent commercial potential for a broad range of applications to include corrosion protection, hydrophobic/non–wetting/nonstick surfaces, high temperature oxidation protection, high emissivity coatings, protection for molten metal processing equipment, and protective coatings for bioceramic materials. Current product development efforts in collaboration with over 20 Fortune 500 companies are targeted toward defense, energy, space, industrial, and consumer applications. A new family of nanocomposite films and materials can be produced with encapsulated nanoinclusions, within Cerablak™ matrix, of varying chemistries to induce/enhance desirable optical, mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. Cerablak™ is resistant to crystallization above 1400ºC and can be synthesized as a) hermetic films on metal/alloy, glass, and ceramic substrates, b) nanocomposite powders, and c) fibers, coatings, and matrices for CMCs. Using a low-cost, stable, low-viscosity, and clear precursor solution, a dense, smooth, hermetic, and transparent film can be produced on substrates by dip/spray/spin/brush/flow coating techniques. A brief curing step above 500ºC is needed to form the thermally stable "glassy" coating material. The key attribute of Cerablak™ is its low oxygen diffusivity (chemical diffusivity estimated to be ~ 1 x 10–10 cm2/sec at 1400ºC). In addition to high temperature oxidation protection, Cerablak™ has been shown to protect against molten salt corrosion. ATFI is exploring various product development opportunities along with securing a strong intellectual property portfolio which includes two issued US patents (US 6,036,762 & US 6,461,415) and several pending US and international patent applications. Financial support from DOE, NSF, NASA, MDA, AFOSR, and industrial sponsors is gratefully acknowledged.

• High-Temperature stable transparent films
  (UV/Visible/IR)

• Hermetic films for electrical insulation

• Surface planarization of metals/ceramics

• Dirt/contamination repellent films

• Durable high emissivity coatings for use over broad range of temperature

• Protective coatings to resist attack by gases, chemicals, molten polymers, and molten metal

• Thermally stable oxide matrices for ceramic matrix composites

• Thermal control coatings

• Enabling a low-friction surface

New! Cerablak™ Ceramics

Uncoated (left) and Cerablak™ coated (right) stainless steel coupons (304) after anneal at 1000°C for 100 hours in ambient air. The coating thickness was about 200nm developed by a dip-coating process. Protection against high temperature oxidation has been demonstrated on Inconel, stainless steel, nickel and nickel alloys, nickel-based super alloys with bondcoat, titanium and titanium alloys, among others.