High Temperature Sensor for Consolidation of Refractory Metals and Alloys

Materials and Manufacturing Systems, Inc. (MATSYS) proposes to develop a high temperature sensor for in situ monitoring and control of consolidation of refractory metals and alloys, especially nanostructured materials. This effort will build on our unique expertise in high temperature eddy current sensing during Hot Isostatic Pressing to design and demonstrate a new generation of high temperature eddy current sensors for consolidation of temperature-sensitive materials. To date the maximum temperature reached with in situ sensor monitoring is about 1200°C. A current unsolved challenge is the consolidation of tungsten and other refractory metal powders, including nanostructured material, that require a maximum temperature above 1200°C for full consolidation. During this proposed project, we will design and fabricate a high temperature sensor using high grade binderless boron nitride and platinum-based wire and associated instrumentation and software that will operate up to a temperature of at least 1650°C. The sensor will be hardened to withstand multiple cycles up to maximum temperature and be applicable to a wide range of materials. Upon successful demonstration, this sensor technology can be easily applied to different refractory powders and will be used to characterize the behavior of this new class of nanostructured materials of interest to the Army.