Category: Applications & Solutions

How Oxide Powders Shape Ox/Ox CMC Matrices?

For Ox/Ox CMC matrix formulation, the critical parameters are particle size < 1μm, particle size distribution,  surface area, slurry viscosity, dispersion stability, sintering reactivity and controlled porosity. These properties influence how the oxide matrix penetrates the fiber architecture, consolidates during thermal treatment and supports damage-tolerant behaviour under demanding service conditions.

Baikowski supplies 4N alumina and high-purity mullite powders and slurries — with documented d₅₀, viscosity, pH and solid loading values — as technical inputs for oxide CMC matrix.

 Ox/Ox CMC Industrial Context

Oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites have been studied since the 1980s as a route to combine oxide fibers with oxide matrices. Their relevance for aero-engine components — such as combustion liners, exhaust cones and thermal protection systems — comes from their ability to address environments where oxidation, hot gases, corrosion, erosion, thermal gradients and mechanical loading occur together.

In these systems, the matrix is not a passive filler. A controlled matrix formulation can support crack deflection, porosity management and more reliable composite behaviour under severe operating conditions.

Why Oxide Properties Matter?

In Ox/Ox CMC processing, the ceramic matrix is commonly introduced through slurry-based routes such as impregnation, infiltration or coating. The slurry must distribute through the fiber architecture, remain stable during processing and consolidate into a controlled microstructure during thermal treatment.

Categories	Parameters	Why it matters for Ox/Ox CMC matrix formulation
Primary matrix formulation	Particle size distribution	Influences slurry penetration, matrix homogeneity and the risk of local heterogeneities during infiltration or coating.
	Slurry viscosity	Governs processability during impregnation, coating or infiltration and must be adapted to the fiber architecture.
	pH and dispersion stability	Conditions compatibility with binders, dispersants and aging behaviour, supporting batch-to-batch reproducibility.
	Densification behaviour	Must be compatible with fiber preservation while providing sufficient matrix cohesion.
Microstructure control	Controlled porosity	Supports the damage-tolerant architecture expected from Ox/Ox CMC systems.
Powder reactivity	Specific surface area	Relevant to sintering reactivity and matrix consolidation, in combination with particle size, formulation and thermal cycle.
Chemistry control	Phase purity	Helps maintain predictable matrix chemistry and sintering behaviour.
	Dopant chemistry	Can be used to explore microstructure control, grain-growth limitation or matrix modification, depending on the target system.
Process efficiency	Solid loading	Influences the amount of matrix introduced per processing step and the overall formulation strategy.

For a deeper dive into advanced materials for oxide CMCs — and for insights into what makes an outstanding matrix and how a slurry can be formulated for high-quality Ox/Ox CMCs — explore the dedicated white paper:

Alumina & Mullite Solutions for CMC Applications White Paper

Baikowski Solutions for Ox/Ox CMC Matrix Formulation

Baikowski provides several oxide-based routes for Ox/Ox CMC matrix development such as:

Solutions	Key documented properties	Comments
SM8	SSA ≈ 10 m²/g; d50 ≈ 0.12 µm; bulk density 0.8 g/cm³; tapped density 1.1 g/cm³	Fine 4N α-alumina powder route.
BA15-PSS	pH 9–10; 50 wt% solid content; slurry density 1.6 g/cm³; Sedigraph d50 0.11 µm	Ready-to-use 4N α-alumina slurry.
Mullite	100% mullite; high chemical purity; d50 < 0.2 µm; specific surface around 35 m²/g; available as slurries and spray-dried powders	High-purity nanosized mullite.
SLAz	High-purity fine α-alumina; customizable zilight® nano-zirconia ratio; pH stability range 4–10; viscosity η < 0.3 Pa·s	Doped alumina slurry designed to control alumina grain growth while maintaining dispersion homogeneity and processability through low viscosity and broad pH stability.

See our 4N alumina & mullite solutions for CMCs

FAQ 

✅ What should R&D teams specify before selecting an Ox/Ox CMC matrix powder or slurry?

Useful parameters include the target consolidation temperature, acceptable porosity range, fiber system, processing route, binder or dispersant chemistry, pH constraints, required particle size distribution and any dopant or secondary-phase requirements. Defining these points early helps identify the most relevant oxide solutions.

✅ How does particle size distribution influence Ox/Ox CMC matrix formulation?

Particle size distribution affects slurry penetration into the fiber architecture, matrix homogeneity and the risk of local defects after thermal treatment. Submicronic particles are relevant for matrix formulation.  Not only the d_50,  but also the d₉₀ value and agglomeration behaviour matter because coarse particles can disturb infiltration or create local heterogeneities.

✅ Which slurry parameters matter most for Ox/Ox CMC processing?

The key slurry parameters are

• particle size  and particle size distribution,
• viscosity,
• pH,
• dispersion stability 
• compatibility with binders or dispersants.

Aging behaviour is also important because a slurry that changes over time can introduce process variability.

✅ Can Baikowski solutions be customised for CMC development?

Baikowski solutions can be customised according to the targeted matrix chemistry, processing route and microstructural objectives. Customisation may involve the adjustment of doping level or chemical composition, the use of sintering additives, the integration of nanoparticles, or the design of mixed oxides such as alumina/zirconia systems for specific matrix requirements.

Product customisation can also include particle size distribution and SSA control, binder-free spray-dried powders to improve the handling of submicronic powders, concentrated slurries with solid loading up to 65 wt%, and functionalised powders for organic solvent-based processing.

MgO-doped alumina is another example of dopant chemistry used to investigate microstructure stability after thermal exposure.
→ Read the MgO doped alumina for Ox/Ox CMC article and scientific publication.

Conclusion

 

For Ox/Ox CMC matrix development, the starting oxide powder or slurry is a primary formulation variable. Particle size  and particle size distribution,  surface area, phase purity, slurry stability and dopant chemistry influence how the matrix is processed, consolidated and evaluated. These key parameters can be discussed and customised with Baikowski R&D teams according to the targeted process route and application constraints.

As aerospace supply chains place increasing demands on material traceability and environmental documentation, Baikowski’s Life Cycle Assessment work and decarbonization initiatives on alumina manufacturing routes add a further dimension of supply-chain transparency.

Beyond aerospace, Ox/Ox CMC development is also relevant to energy, defense and industrial high-temperature sectors.
The same formulation logic applies across these domains: controlled oxide powder → reproducible matrix → defined microstructure.

For further information:

👉 Discuss with us
👉 download our  ox/oc CMC powder White Paper

 

✅Why LED technology is a sustainable lighting & display solution?

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have revolutionized various industries, by providing energy-efficient solutions with less environmental impact than traditional lighting for a wide range of applications, including display screens, car displays and lightings, electronics and smart devices.

Thanks to to the direct conversion of electrical current into light (optical radiation) within the semiconductor material, LEDs exhibit this remarkable level of efficiency. However, a significant portion of the electrical power is also transformed into heat during the process.

✅ What is the Role of High Purity Alumina, YAG & nanomaterials in advanced LED technology?

High Purity Alumina (HPA) plays an essential role in producing the substrate, which serves as a foundation for the LED chip, affecting its overall performance, thermal management, and efficiency. Thanks to its exceptional ability to resist high temperatures, conduct heat efficiently, and insulate against electrical conductivity, LED lights can operate at their maximum potential.

As a highly efficient heat-dissipating component, High Purity Alumina (HPA) has contributed to the LED technology sustainability. Indeed, by maintaining LEDs at optimal temperatures, they maximize their performance and extends their operational lifespan, about 30,000 hours, equivalent to 6 hours of daily illumination for 12 years.

HPA has also influences the optical performance of LED lights, particularly in applications demanding color purity and accuracy. Its uniform crystal structure enhance light diffraction and color consistency in applications like display screens and specialized lighting.

Beyond HPA, Baikowski® also manufactures phosphors, used among other things for generating a broader spectrum of colors, such as its submicronic YAG product that offers a natural-looking white light. For instance, it is used in white LEDs and plasma display panels, as well as adaptive headlights to create different colors and intensities of light depending on the driving situation and the environment.

💡 As technology continues to evolve, Baikowski® finely-tuned oxides solutions and Mathym® advanced nanomaterials, that offer high crystallinity and controlled specific surface area, will have a role to play in the progress of emerging optics applications like mini-LED and micro-LED displays.💡

Integrating the superior performances of Mathym® nanoparticles, such as zilight®  into nanoscale structures or coatings, not only enables the miniaturization of optical devices, but also facilitates integration with other technologies, paving the way for the development of compact and multifunctional  LED lighting solutions. Learn more about optical coating with zilight®, including case studies, in our dedicated white paper.

🌟 Whether it’s LED lighting or cutting-edge displays, Baikowski® group is here to cater to your specific needs.🌟

View optics and photonics related products

Which deagglomerated powders does Baikowski® offer?

Several methods of powder deagglomeration are used according to the desired particle size and distribution.

• Jet milling is the easiest way to produce middle-size milled powders that offer a large size distribution composed of one or two populations.
• Ball milling is a size reduction technique using only mechanical forces that enables a lower size distribution than jet milling.
• Wet milling allows the production of smaller particle size and a narrower size distribution versus other milling methods.

Thanks to these different deagglomeration processes, Baikowski® has not only the ability to expand its product portfolio with products that offer specific physicochemical properties and a higher sintering reactivity, but also to control dispersion, morphology, composition, homogeneity at the powder grain level.

What are the benefits of ready-to-use and Ready-to-Press (RTP) oxides?

Wet milling enables the design and production of:

• Ready-to-use slurries
• Spray-dried powders (with or without binder)
• Freeze-dried solutions

Among the various benefits of ready-to-use or ready-to-press solutions, we can mention a

• better flowability,
• an improved behavior while pressing ceramics
• a perfect consistency of your final product.

Which applications are concerned?

In general, slurries and spray-dried powders have helped our customers develop unique solutions in various markets including energy, battery, health or 3D printing, by allowing the design of innovative materials.

Concrete examples:

• Ceramic injection molding: spray-dried powders facilitate feedstock production and help optimize the process.
• CMP polishing (semiconductors): ready-to-use suspensions help ensure the absence of large particles in the chemical mechanical planarization process.
• Dental: YbF3 nano-dispersions, already dispersed in the dental formulations, have allowed outstanding performances for restorative applications. Mathym®, the producer of nano-dispersions within the Baikowski ® group, is a key actor of this market.

Are these ready-to-use solutions customizable?

Taking into account all of the above, our GE9, GEA6, and BA15 high purity alumina products, as well as our ZTA/ATZ and spinel solutions are commercially available in slurry, spray-dry and ready-to-press forms.

Beyond these solutions, Baikowski® provides customization services in close collaboration with your process teams.

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How do we characterise and design powders and slurries thank to our in-house analytical skills?

Listen to Livia MARRA explanations, our Senior Project Manager, in this short video.

 

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” Hello, my name is Livia Marra. I have been working for Baikowski since 2012. I started as a trainee engineer before becoming a R&D project manager.

Baikowski is a 115-year-old company, specialized in high purity alumina and many other oxide powders.
Our headquarters and manufacturing plant are located in Poisy, in France. We have another manufacturing plant in the United States, a joint venture in Japan and several sales offices around the world.
Mathym joined us in 2019 and is specialized in nano-dispersions. This branch of Baikowski enables us to expand our product offering and expand in new markets such as the dental one.

We address several markets including automotive, electronics, medical, watch & jewelry, aerospace & defense and cover applications in ceramics, polishing and batteries.
With so many high-end applications, we have great analytical needs, either to respond to our client demands, or to anticipate their needs. That’s why we are always looking for ways to improve our products characterization. For this purpose, we bought the “Calvet Pro of Setaram” that provides us thermogravimetric and DSC analyses.

As an example, we use it to measure the moisture absorption of our alumina powders. In lithium-ion battery applications, we know we can’t have water as it would interfere with lithium metal. By figuring out the mass uptake by a powder during its exposure to a humidity air flow, we are able to calculate the absorption rate of a powder.

For catalytic applications, the device allows to inform customers on the acidity/basicity of our products, their ability to absorb different type of gas.

We can also assess the mass lost of a powder with blinder system or the decomposition temperature of a special product. In addition, we can carry out a synthesis knowing the transformation temperature of the powder.

As a conclusion, thanks to the flexibility of this device and our analytical skills, we can meet a lot of our customers’ expectations. ”

Learn more on customization

 

zilight® nanomaterial multiple applications

Since zilight® is commercially available, it has been a growing success for our start-up Mathym®. In fact, zilight® meets high-end applications where small particle size is key and do not have real competitive products. Thanks to its high refractive index, this product is mainly targeted at the optics and photonics markets. However, the energy & environment markets should benefit from its properties for demanding and emerging technical applications such as fuel cells. When doped with yttria (YSZ), zilight® can also be a nanomaterial of choice for restorative dental applications.

A customizable nanozirconia product

zilight® is available either doped with yttria (YSZ), CeO2, Gd2O or undoped (ZrO2). Mathym’s know-how lead not only to high-end zirconia nanoparticles, but also to state-of-the-art nano-dispersions. zilight® is available dispersed in various solvents & resins:

• water, alcohol, polyol, acetone, MEK
• select organic solvents
• methacrylate or acrylate-based resin
• silicone oils, customer specific monomer mixture, e.g.: epoxy & fluorene (under development)

The solid content can go up to 70% depending on the dispersion medium.

zilight® exhibits a very high refractive index, ideal in the design of high-end optical materials. Moreover, zilight® preserves a high level of transparency in nanocomposites. It will be your favorite nanofiller for encapsulation materials, improving visible LED device efficiency. It can also act as an additive for advanced ceramics (sintering aid), for display materials (refractive index enhancer), or for coatings (scratch resistance).

Do you want to know more?

See zilight® technical data

 

What is the purpose of ceramic nanofillers?

Nanofillers are nanoparticles of oxides embedded into a matrix of diverse materials (polymers, resins, metal…). The “classical” nanofillers are meant to lower the cost of a material by replacing a higher value material. Furthermore, ceramic nanofillers have the benefit of strengthen the physical properties of the matrix, namely its mechanical, optical or thermal properties.

Moreover, we’ll show here a new type of nanofillers, designed for high performance applications. We are talking about the agglomerate-free nanomaterial dispersions.

Properties of innovative ceramic nanofillers

The agglomerate-free nanomaterials dispersed in various media are bringing outstanding properties:

• High solid loading
• High transmittance
• Low viscosity.

Mathym® and Baikowski® are producing several nanoparticles, which can be used as nanofillers. Here are some examples including high purity alumina (Al2O3) nano-dispersions, ceria (CeO2) and zirconia (ZrO2), as known as zilight® for Mathym:

The nanoparticles are agglomerate-free and delivered as a suspension. They are also known as nano-dispersions. Well dispersed, these nanoparticles used as nanofillers are solving some paradoxes:

• Radio-opacity / High transmittance, especially for the product YbF3 of Mathym, filyxio®
• Low sintering temperature / High density of the ceramic
• High refractive index / Low light scattering

Hence, the upper properties find their applications in several markets such as medical, technical ceramics, electronics, optronics…

Do you want to know more about our innovative ceramic nanofillers?

Discover Mathym® nanodispersions