Fabrication of ceramics from celestial materials using microwave sintering and mechanical compression
US12215926B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
87References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2023 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF27D2099/0028
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for fabrication of ceramics from celestial materials using microwave sintering and mechanical compression for space mining applications are disclosed. In one aspect, a chamber for sintering loose mineral material into solid ceramic shapes includes a plurality of zirconia insulting plates configured to clamp the mineral material and forming a cavity in which the mineral loose material is contained, and at least one dipole array configured to generate microwave energy and apply the microwave energy to the mineral material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.