Neil A McKinnon

Title: Neil A. McKinnon and Partially Stabilized Zirconia Ceramics.

Introduction

Neil A. McKinnon is an inventor associated with North Balwyn, Australia. His recorded patent concerns partially stabilized zirconia ceramics, a material developed for strength and resistance to thermal shock. The patent record lists 1 patent for McKinnon.

Latest Patents

McKinnon’s patent, “Partially Stabilized Zirconia Ceramics,” describes a magnesia partially stabilized zirconia containing approximately 2.8 to 4.0 weight percent magnesia. The zirconia powder used to make the ceramic contains no more than approximately 0.03 percent silica.

The material’s microstructure consists of cubic stabilized zirconia grains containing elliptical tetragonal zirconia precipitates. These precipitates form as the ceramic cools from its firing temperature and have a long axis of approximately 1,500 angstrom units. The patent also describes a heat-treatment process that transforms some precipitates into a non-twinned, microcrystalline monoclinic form of zirconia. This process involves cooling the material below 800°C and then holding it at a temperature between 1,000°C and approximately 1,400°C.

The ceramic may contain up to 36 weight percent hafnia. Its potential applications include moulds, dies, tappet facings, and cutting tools.

Career Highlights

The available information identifies McKinnon’s contribution through this patent and does not specify his employer or other career details. The patent’s focus is a ceramic composition and processing method intended to combine high strength with good thermal-shock resistance.

Collaborations

Ronald C. Garvie and Richard Henri Hannink are identified as McKinnon’s coworkers. The supplied information does not specify their roles in the patent or the nature of their collaboration.

Conclusion

Neil A. McKinnon’s recorded invention addresses the composition, microstructure, and heat treatment of partially stabilized zirconia ceramics for demanding industrial applications.