Development of lightweight materials for high-temperature applications

To improve the energy efficiency of heating processes, the optimisation or new development of high-temperature resistant materials offers various promising possibilities. For example, the heat capacity of ceramic carrier materials can be directly influenced by introducing pores. Thinner or more robust components can also be created by using ceramic fibres.
In the field of insulation applications, porous insulation materials specially adapted to the temperature profile of the respective furnace are of particular interest. These could efficiently absorb thermal radiation in a wide radiation spectrum using a multi-layer structure or a graded porous structure.

1. Development of new insulation and high-temperature carrier materials for process temperatures >1000°C
2. Minimisation of heat loss from furnaces through optimised insulation materials
3. Minimisation of the energy used for heating the kiln and the installed support elements and kiln furniture
   
4. Thermal and mechanical properties of the developed materials are at least comparable to commercial products
   

High-temperature insulation materials:

1. Foaming of stabilised slurries
2. Direct foaming of stabilised slurries
   
3. Coating of polymer foams with slurries and subsequent pyrolysis of the polymer skeleton
   
4. Production of graded porous ceramics

High-temperature support structures:

1. Manufacturing of sandwich structures with a porous core
   
2. Reduction of heat capacity through the generation of pores
   
3. Investigation of different reinforcement methods to maintain or improve mechanical strength against commercial benchmarks