Reliable Manufacturing of Scandia-doped Tungsten Powders for Thermionic Cathodes

In this Phase II STTR effort, nGimat will partner with the University of Kentucky (UK) and 3M/Ceradyne to continue development of W-scandate cathode composite materials. Compared to conventional M-type cathodes, these composite scandate nanomaterials will enable longer cathode lifetime by lowering the required operating temperature. nGimat is an established and successful powder manufacturing company with years of experience manufacturing and commercializing oxide nanopowders. Thus, the infractructure and business model to bring these game changing powder materials to market already exists at nGimat. By teaming with the University of Kentucky, who has years of experience researching dispenser cathodes, and 3M/Ceradyne, the largest and most experienced cathode manufacturer in the U.S., nGimat is poised to succeed in this STTR effort and see W-scandate powder finally transitioned into Navy applications in the future.