IRCER Imerys joint laboratory – LIRYS

As part of the LIRYS labcom, IrCer laboratory and Imerys Aluminates will mutualize their expertise in the field of thermal spray applications and the synthesis of ceramic powders in order to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the manufacture of ceramic thin coatings for high end applications.

In the spirit of this collaboration and a common strategy, it is expected to facilitate the rise in TRL (technology readiness level) thanks to the know-how and capabilities of Imerys Aluminates on various processes for the synthesis of ceramic oxide powders such as supercritical water synthesis or fusion processes (electric arc fusion, induction fusion). These synthesis processes but also the elaboration of powders (grinding, classification, spray drying, thermal treatment, etc.) are Imerys' core business and are widely used within the group from lab to industrial scales.

For its part, IrCer will bring its expertise in the realization of ceramic coatings by APS (Air Plasma Spraying) or SPS (Suspension Plasma Spraying) as well as its knowledge in understanding phenomena related to production of these deposits in order to optimize the raw materials properties or the spray parameters.

The areas of development chosen to initiate this collaboration concern two main axes :

- Axis 1: Thermal barrier coatings for gas turbines in relation to energy production.

- Axis 2: Ceramic coatings for kiln furniture applications in electronics or batteries (e.g. Li-Ion) in order to produce protective layers either for the calcination of reactive powders or to avoid reaction between the kiln furniture and the ceramic parts during the sintering process for high added value applications. The common objective being to improve the life cycle (thermal performance and chemical stability).

In this common strategy, it is considered to improve the durability of the systems and the thermal efficiency. Thanks to a French player in the production of ceramic powders. It is also aimed to have national sovereignty in the production of the raw materials for the realization of ceramic deposits in strategic markets.