Kazuhisa Shibue

Title: The Innovations of Kazuhisa Shibue in Titanium-Aluminum Intermetallic Compounds

Introduction

Kazuhisa Shibue, an accomplished inventor based in Nagoya, Japan, has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, focusing particularly on titanium-aluminum intermetallic compounds. With a total of four patents to his name, Shibue’s work enhances the properties of these compounds, making them more suitable for various applications due to their improved oxidation resistance.

Latest Patents

Shibue's latest patent involves a halogen-containing Ti-Al system intermetallic compound, which consists of 25 atomic percent to 75 atomic percent of aluminum, with the remainder being titanium. The innovative aspect of this invention is the addition of halogens, specifically fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, in amounts ranging from 0.004 atomic percent to 1.0 atomic percent.

Moreover, to enhance the oxidation resistance of the Ti-Al intermetallic compound, Shibue details a process where the surface is heated at temperatures between 800°C and 1125°C in a gas mixture containing halogens and oxygen, resulting in the formation of a dense aluminum oxide film. The process can be further refined by initially treating the surface with at least one halogen element before heating.

Another noteworthy innovation is the powder processing technique he developed for titanium aluminide. This involves combining titanium and aluminum powders, followed by hot extrusion and hot isostatic pressing to synthesize titanium aluminide. This method effectively disperses aluminum oxide to form a protective film that enhances oxidation resistance, demonstrating the effectiveness of Shibue's inventions.

Career Highlights

Kazuhisa Shibue works with Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd., where he has been instrumental in researching and developing advanced materials. His passion for innovation is evident in his pursuit of creating materials that not only meet current industry demands but also push the boundaries of material science.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Shibue has collaborated with talented professionals in the field, including Masaki Kumagai and Mok-Soon Kim. These partnerships have led to groundbreaking work and the advancement of knowledge in the development of titanium-aluminum intermetallic compounds.

Conclusion

Kazuhisa Shibue’s contributions to the field of materials science through his innovative patents underscore his status as a leading inventor in Japan. His focus on enhancing the properties of titanium-aluminum intermetallic compounds continues to have significant implications for various industries, proving the importance of innovation in solving material challenges.