Request Expert

Expert has used microencapsulation as a method to prepare multicomponent ceramic powders containing two to five components. He developed (and is in the process of patenting) the first dry microencapsulation process that also can be used as a granulation method. He has also developed wet microencapsulation methods, where core particles are encased by a secondary inorganic phase, which is precipitated from solutions. Primary materials he has worked with include ceramic oxides, ceramic non-oxides, and inorganic salts.

Expert is using hydrothermal methods to prepare submicron ceramic powders and single crystals containing two or more components. He is experienced in the computation of reaction thermodynamics and kinetics that enable the syntheses to be optimized. He has also applied these principles towards the preparation of ceramic oxide.

Expert is active in understanding how heavy metal fluoride glasses can be prepared by subjecting sol-gel-derived hydrous oxide microstructures to fluoridating atmospheres and subsequent processing steps for producing optical grade glasses.


With all the methods that Expert uses for the preparation of ceramic powders, strong expertise in characterization technology is essential. The primary tools employed include: 1) electron microscopy for physical and chemical powder characterization, 2) rapid particle sizing methods (sedimentation, centrifugation, light diffraction, and light scattering), 3) thermal analysis for chemical assay and solid state reactivity, 4) electrophoresis and acoustophoresis for electrokinetic properties, 5) X-ray diffraction for phase determination, phase mixture composition, and crystallite size, 6) atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy for elemental make-up, 7) X-ray photoelectron and diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy for surface composition, 8) transmittance infrared spectroscopy for identification of chemical moieties in bulk and surface, 9) surface area determination using nitrogen absorption, and 10) porosity determination using mercury intrusion or nitrogen condensation.


Expert's research has lead towards the development of a computer program that controls a dry press and measures compaction properties of granules within a four hour period. Previously to date, collecting a comparable data set required two weeks. This computerized approach can be used for any type of granular or particulate sample, providing useful data for automated dry pressing.

Expert is well versed in procedures required in obtaining good methodical approaches for ceramic powder dispersions. He is also knowledgeable in developing new formulations of dispersions by studying how the dispersant and solvent interact with the dispersed particulate phase. He is also experienced with particulated mixing approaches and computer modeling the mixture based in initial starting powder characteristics.


Expert is experienced with the polymerization of metal alkoxides and metal organic polyesters.


Expert has examined how inorganic polyesters decompose to form nitride ceramics, and how metal stearate soaps decompose to form oxides. He uses novel characterization tools to study these decomposition processes.


Expert's background includes the oxidative/reductive chemistry of lead oxide, solid state reactivity with other ceramic oxides, dispersion chemistry and microencapsulation.


Expert developed the very first dry spherical granulation process.


Expert developed the first sol-gel process for making fluoride glasses. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of synthesis, as well as characterization procedures relating to chemical and physical aspects. Primary materials he has worked with include ceramic oxides, ceramic nonoxides, and inorganic salts.


Expert helped develop the first protocol for obtaining reliable electrokinetic data. He is also involved with the development of a reference material that may be marketed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He uses this measurement extensively in all his powder synthesis work.

POWDER MIXEDNESS. Expert has developed a computational approach for determining the statistical properties of a mixture that describe the homogeneity of a mixture. He has also developed experimental methods of determination, with a focus on problems related to submicron particulate mixtures.

SOLID STATE REACTIVITY OF CERAMIC POWDERS. Expert is well-versed in factors that influence the solid state reactivity of solids. His knowledge is based fundamentally on relating powder processing variables to kinetics and thermodynamic aspects. He has dealt extensively with problems that involve powder characteristics, phase intermediates, and mixedness.

NON-OXIDE MATERIALS BY POLYMER PYROLYSIS. Expert is active in studying how a metal organic polymer decomposes to form a non-oxide ceramic such as aluminum nitride. In addition to studying the role of firing atmosphere on reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, he has also been involved with novel simple methods for assaying reaction products intermittently and in situ.