Ceralink Inc. has been awarded a $150,000 Phase I contract by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop an ultrahigh-temperature (1800°C) microwave sintering process for densifying ceramics for armor and other structural applications. Ceralink’s NSF Phase I program will include selection and testing of insulation materials for development of an ultrahigh-temperature microwave-compatible insulation package. The materials used must exhibit both high-temperature capabilities and microwave transparency in order to develop appropriate heat containment.

Ultrahigh-temperature ceramics are a unique class of materials needed for use in extreme environments. Materials of particular focus are boron carbide and silicon carbide. Troy, N.Y.-based Ceralink is a leader in the development of microwave processing technologies.