PULSE DETONATION SYNTHESIS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE CERAMIC COMPOSITES AND COATINGS

Adroit Systems, Inc. will develop a Pulse Detonation Synthesis (PDS) process to manufacture ceramic powders from gas-powder reactant mixtures more efficiently and inexpensively than current methods. A high combustion rate and simple design make the PDS system capable of mass producing these powders, which are used as raw materials for high-temperature, high-performance ceramics and ceramic composites. This process is based on pulse detonation engines for both military and commercial applications. PDS is a self-propagating, high temperature synthesis with a higher thermal efficiency, and high combustion velocity, and produces finer powders. The processing cycle will use a simple fill-and-fire approach and will require less initial preparation of the reactants than conventional methods, thus reducing the number of needed system components.