We’ve talked a few times recently about how the research is going Focusing on creating high-tech new materials starting from abundant and cheap ingredientsand improve the production process through The use of 3D printers.
This is the case with New copper for pellet stoves Developed by ENEA and based on Thalitea Ceramic material Widely known for its ability to reach and Withstand extremely high temperatures without modifications.
In fact, several studies have identified and made known its properties, starting with Synthesis of thalite ceramics using the heterogeneous precipitation method. [2000]And A comparative study of tealite ceramics doped with different oxidants and teialite mullite compounds: microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties. [2005]to the latest “Remarkable Structural Modifications of Tialite Solid Solutions Obtained by Various Methods” [2022].
The stove can be used in place of the classic cast iron, not only for domestic applications, but also for large plantslike gases.
The ENEA team has developed an improved water-based ceramic paste for Reducing the use of organic additives and making it compatible with 3D printing technology.
Then the project partner company, la Palazzetti Lelio Spa. , specializing in wood biomass home heating systems, which also tested the component in real operating conditions, such as a pellet stove.
“This project has allowed us to develop cutting-edge processes, materials and technologies that we will be able to apply to design and manufacture new components with complex shapes, chemical-physical properties and thermo-mechanical properties, for example burners and small engines for energy production, but also for the automotive and aeronautical sectors”said Alessandra Stravilla, a researcher at the ENEA laboratory for materials technology in Faenza.
Among the goals Reduce production costs of high-tech ceramic componentsSo far, the only obstacle to its widespread adoption are the limitations that the use of 3D printing can solve:
“In our lab we have been able to overcome this limitation thanks to 3D printing, which allows us to obtain components with complex geometries while reducing the amount of material needed for molding, post-processing, production times and, finally, energy consumption as the component is produced at room temperature.” , which makes the whole process very sustainable.” said Stravilla.
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