CERAMICS
Touchstone has earned numerous awards as an industrial problem-solver,
new product developer, and applied research laboratory for hundreds
of manufacturers in a wide range of business sectors. Our unique
capability as an industrial problem-solver is based on the diversity
of our highly experienced technical staff, supported by over $10
million worth of in-house laboratory equipment and testing facilities.
The following examples illustrate some of our contributions to this
business sector:
- Touchstone performed SEM/EDS analysis of samples from Abledinger
Brick, Ceramic Tile, Nozzle, and Clay Tile components from a ceramics
manufacturer. All were possible source materials for inclusions.
The results allowed the client to identify the source of the inclusions
as improperly fired tile liners used in the gating system.
- Touchstone assisted in the development of advanced ceramic
fibers used in ceramic and metal matrix composites. In this effort,
Touchstone performed hundreds of fractographic studies via the
scanning electron microscope on ceramic fibers.
- A question, which concerned overheating of the steel shell on
a rotary kiln, was brought to Touchstone engineers. The steel
was examined microstructurally and found not to have been affected
by heat from use. Further work included an evaluation of the mechanical
properties of the brick kiln lining which had crumbled and allowed
heat to reach the steel shell. The brick was found to be acceptable
for use. The problem was traced to wear of the support rollers
which allowed flexure of the entire kiln during use. This flexure
resulted in the refractory failure.
- Touchstone has performed fiber bond strength measurements on
ceramic matrix composites. Touchstone has invented and patented
a unique device, the Fiber Push-Out SEM wherein the de-bond strength
and sliding friction are measured at temperatures up to 1000 degrees
Centigrade. Readouts include load versus displacement, load versus
time, acoustic emission and detailed imaging of the de-bond zone.
- Touchstone has performed substantial work in the development,
testing, and product applications for carbon based ceramic foams.
- Porcelain coatings on steels often exhibit a defect that appears
as a crater-like raised area in an otherwise smooth finish. Evaluation
of the base steel found surface carbides, which interfere with
the coating during the firing operation.
The above examples are only a sample of our work in this area.
We would be pleased to provide any additional information you may
require. We also invite you to review examples on our website of
work that we have performed in support of other business sectors.
Please contact one of our Project
Managers to discuss your manufacturing problem. We would welcome
an opportunity to add you to our rapidly growing list of satisfied
customers.
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