Nanopowders have gained considerable importance and many manufacturing companies are adding nanopowders in the product’s composition in several fields such as energy, optics, electronics, environmental preservation, mechanical parts production, and medicine.
Air Liquide has declared their long-term agreement with a French company named Nanomakers who are involved in producing high grade silicon carbide nanopowders. Hydrogen, acetylene, argon, silane, and devices required for the first industrial set-up, to be run by Nanomakers will be provided by Air Liquide. The facility is scheduled to commence manufacture in late 2011 in Rambouillet, France.
Air Liquide’s R&D team members will provide their scientific knowledge in the domains of gas purification and analysis. Industries in France and Japan can use nanopowders produced by Nanomakers to enhance the thermal resistance and mechanical properties of materials. Nanomakers is a partner of the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA) - French Atomic Energy Commission.
Silane, hydrogen and acetylene gases are supplied along with other raw materials into a reactor that is protected and confined by an argon atmosphere. Continuous pyrolysis is initiated by a CO2 laser, resulting in the production of ultra -pure and -homogenous silicon powders.
According to the CEO of Nanomakers, François Ténégal, the consistent supply chain of gases, the technical skills of researchers and their potential in rendering utmost safety are the reasons that caused the company to select Air Liquide. Augustin de Roubin, Air Liquide’s executive committee member feels happy to cooperate with Nanomakers in initiating the manufacturing process of nanopowders in France.
Source: http://www.airliquide.com/