It Really is Rocket Science!
CERAM's Nickel-based Catalyst Exhibited at London Science Museum

Gas atomised nickel aluminide powder produced at CERAM is part of an exhibit at the London Science Museum on Science in Space. Housed in the Challenge of Materials gallery, the powder has been produced as part of the EU-funded project IMPRESS (Intermetallic Materials Processing in Relation to Earth and Space Solidification), which aims to fully understand the strategic link between the material processing, structure and final properties of new intermetallic alloys.

CERAM is applying its gas atomisation technology (used in the production of rapidly solidified powder) to produce improved nickel-based catalysts for use in hydrogenation reactions and in the production of lower-cost fuel cells. A unique component of IMPRESS is that many key thermophysical properties and growth kinetics data are being measured in experiments performed in microgravity which exists in space or can be produced by research rockets. These data can then be used terrestrially to develop intermetallics with improved properties.

“This is a truly exciting project and we have already developed powders with high catalytic activity. These catalysts are expected to replace more expensive platinum-based compounds in some fuel cell applications,” says Dr Nicholas Adkins, Technology Manager at CERAM. “The fact that this material is now being showcased at the Science Museum will help the public, particularly children, understand the value of microgravity experimentation and the importance of intermetallics in materials science.”

The development of intermetallic processing is an important area in materials science research, with many different applications ranging from aerospace components to power generation systems.

[June 2008]