State of the art R&D support

Using the latest technology and processing methods, the scientists at the Northboro facility strive to develop the best materials for the most challenging applications. The center also assists the business with application testing, joint research projects, and overall technical assistance including material interactions, high temperature reactions, mechanical analysis, and computer modeling.

At the Northboro Research and Development Center, scientists are on the cutting edge of ceramic research, constantly working to create new and better refractory products. State-of-the-art equipment and capabilities include:

• Localized chemistry and microscopy with a scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• X-ray diffraction for phase analysis
• X-ray radiography for non-destructive evaluation
• Wet chemistry
• Mechanical testing at room and high temperatures
• Creep, tension and compression measurements
• Carbon, nitrogen and oxygen analysis 
• Particle size analysis
• Oxide firing capabilities to 1700°C
• Atmosphere firing to 2100°C
• Finite element analysis (computer modeling)

Surface area testing using nitrogen absorption method

Scanning electron microsope (SEM)