Nanostructured Ferrite for Low Loss High Frequency Power Converters

"The Phase I SBIR program demonstrated that the novel NiFe2O4/Fe nanocomposite can be fabricated to possess higher saturation magnetization and lower power loss than conventional ferrites. These results indicated that the Fe/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite is apromising candidate for DC-to-DC power converter applications. Successful Phase I efforts have provided the scientific and technological groundwork for further magnetic nanocomposite technology advancement in Phase II.The proposed Phase II program scales-up the Fe/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite processing technology performed in the Phase I work. Emphasis is on rapid commercialization of nanocomposite cores for Airforce targeted military and commercial applications. Key PhaseII milestones include (1) scale-up of the demonstrated chemical synthesis into pilot-scale production, (2) demonstration of prototype cores having desirable magnetic properties through exchange coupling, and (3) demonstration of high performance prototypeDC-to-DC converters using the exchange coupled magnetic nanocomposite cores. Two prototype DC-to-DC converters using the magnetic nanocomposite cores will be delivered to the Airforce. The Phase II participants include Ceramic Magnetics, Inc., Univ. ofConnecticut, Univ. of Texas, and a converter specialist, Colonel William McLyman. Ceramic Magnetics has pledged $250,000 cost share to the Phase II and will carry the follow-on of $250,000 funding contingent on Phase II mi